The Paula floating promenade in Havana Bay is rapidly deteriorating, with significant structural damage due to a lack of maintenance, as highlighted by images shared on social media this past Sunday.
"The floating dock is on the verge of becoming a wreck. First, the boards, then the railings, and even the polystyrene pieces keeping it afloat," stated Facebook user Reyma Luz Cuetú Reyes on Sunday, urging the responsible officials to take immediate action.
The warning also mentioned the resurgence of trash deposits in front of the dock. According to Cuetú, individuals referred to as "divers" rummage through the waste, leaving debris scattered across public areas.
Cuetú questioned the attribution of such neglect to the U.S. embargo, emphasizing that the authorities bear internal responsibility. "Public officials who read this, someone must read it, I suppose, do something," she implored.
The comments following her post echoed the frustration of users who find the situation untenable and criticize the lack of official responses.
Some commenters also recalled that the garbage accumulation in the bay had previously led to the suspension of the Regla Ferry service in June 2024.
Cuetú also invoked the memory of historian Eusebio Leal (1942-2020), who for almost four decades led the restoration of Havana's Historic Center, with a sentiment echoed by other Cubans in recent weeks.
"How we miss Eusebio Leal in Havana. Sometimes I feel there are two Cubas, one we occasionally see in the news, and another, the real one, which is painful," she expressed.
She concluded her plea with a mix of demand and optimism. "I'm hopeful despite everything, but it's hard to maintain hope amidst chaos," she remarked.
History and Current State of the Floating Promenade
Inaugurated in November 2015 by the City Historian's Office as part of Havana's 495th anniversary celebrations, the Paula Floating Promenade was never completed. The original design included canopies, sculptures, and benches that were never installed, and an architect openly admitted the poor quality of materials used.
The promenade's decline is not new. By 2019, holes causing visitors to trip were already being reported. By 2024, issues of filth and widespread deterioration were documented, and just this April, a TikTok user showcased the electrical installation's condition following the theft of lamp cables.
The dock's neglect occurs amid a broader waste management crisis affecting the entire capital. Havana produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of solid waste daily, yet only 41% of its garbage trucks are operational due to fuel shortages and mechanical failures. The city has around 10,000 containers, although it requires between 20,000 and 30,000.
Last Thursday, Perla Rosales, the Deputy Director of the City Historian’s Office, acknowledged that a street in Old Havana became littered with trash just two hours after being cleaned, calling for stricter oversight to address the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Havana's Floating Dock Issues
What is causing the deterioration of the Paula Floating Promenade?
The deterioration is primarily due to a lack of maintenance and the use of low-quality materials during construction. This has led to structural damage and other issues.
How is the waste management crisis affecting Havana?
Havana's waste management crisis is marked by a shortage of operational garbage trucks due to fuel and mechanical issues, resulting in inadequate handling of the city's daily waste production.
What actions are being called for to address the floating dock's condition?
Residents and social media users are urging local authorities to take responsibility and initiate necessary maintenance and repairs to prevent further damage to the dock.