A Cuban woman recently gained attention on social media after showcasing a makeshift rainwater collection system she devised to fill her tank following 10 days without water supply, underscoring the worsening water crisis on the island.
Identified on Instagram as meli_maura_, she shared a video demonstrating how she installed a gutter at the top of her home to channel rainwater into her storage tank.
The video is accompanied by a phrase that echoes the sentiment of many Cubans: "You have to laugh to keep from crying, this is unbearable."
As she displays her innovative setup, the woman humorously celebrates the arrival of water into the tank. "Look at her, proud because she's filling her tank now. She made a channel from above, put a support, and is filling it up. If ANIR (Cuban Association of Innovators and Rationalizers) finds out, they'll give me an award," she jokes with laughter.
The reel has received over 5,200 reactions and sparked numerous comments from Cubans identifying with the scene. Some used humor to describe the situation.
"We are the real survival reality show," one user commented. Others shared similar experiences. "I've even bathed with rainwater. I end up slippery but clean, been ages without water here," another user remarked.
A third-floor resident expressed frustration over not being able to replicate the idea due to housing constraints, while another user suggested adding chlorine to the rainwater for disinfection and odor prevention.
"The struggle for Cuban survival," summarized one comment on the video, capturing the daily reality of thousands of families forced to turn every downpour into a chance to secure water.
The video adds to a series of reports highlighting the worsening water crisis in Cuba. Recently, a Cuban woman reported going nine months without water via the public network, summarizing her plight with the phrase "here, we no longer live, we survive."
In Imías, Guantánamo, a mother warned that her family had been without service for over five weeks while her daughter's atopic dermatitis worsened.
In Lawton, another woman claimed she was threatened with arrest after demanding solutions following 15 days without water or electricity while caring for her sick daughter.
The deterioration of the supply system is due to structural issues. A staggering 87% of the country's pumping stations rely on the National Electric System, meaning prolonged blackouts automatically halt water distribution.
Compounding the issue, the system operates with only 37% of the necessary fuel, and 40% of the pumping equipment is severely deteriorated.
In Havana, between 40% and 70% of pumped water is lost to leaks before reaching households.
Official figures reflect the escalating problem. In the capital, the number of affected individuals rose from 200,000 in April to over 500,000 by July.
Nationwide, nearly three million Cubans lack regular access to potable water, with the vast majority receiving intermittent service.
In the absence of effective solutions, more families are turning to makeshift wells, rainwater collection systems, or the informal market.
Recently, reports surfaced that in cities like Havana, a 55-gallon tank can cost up to 2,500 pesos, and a water truck can reach 60,000 pesos—the equivalent of nearly 19 monthly minimum wages.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
What are some causes of the water crisis in Cuba?
The water crisis in Cuba is primarily due to structural issues, such as reliance on the National Electric System, which causes disruptions during blackouts, and a lack of necessary fuel for pumping stations.
How are Cubans coping with the water shortages?
Cubans are resorting to creative solutions such as collecting rainwater, digging makeshift wells, or purchasing water from the informal market to cope with the shortages.
What impact do water shortages have on Cuban families?
Water shortages severely impact daily life, forcing families to ration water for basic needs and increasing the risk of health issues due to lack of sanitation.