In Matanzas, a segment of the railing from the General Lacret Morlot Bridge—commonly referred to as the Versalles or La Concordia Bridge—has been removed, leaving pedestrians, including elderly individuals who rely on these structures for support, vulnerable as they cross the Yumurí River.
The official newspaper Girón highlighted the decay of this historic bridge in its photo column, Cámara Viva, featuring images of the site. One particular image depicts an elderly person dependent on the railings for mobility who encounters the missing section head-on. Similar photos have been widely shared across social media platforms.
The state-run publication suggests vandalism may be behind the removal, while also acknowledging the effects of time, lack of maintenance, and salt exposure as contributing factors.
“The removal of this railing not only took a piece of metal but also stripped pedestrians of safety, robbed the city of part of its history, and burdened the community with unexpected expenses,” Girón reported.
Earlier this month, social media users had already flagged the disappearance of this metal railing section. Shortly thereafter, two individuals were caught attempting to steal eight aluminum tubes from the Matanzas Viaduct in the La Playa area. Police intervention thwarted the theft.
According to Ministry of Interior officials, those responsible for such thefts exploit poorly monitored sites to steal metal materials, which they later sell on the black market, driven by the widespread shortages affecting the nation.
This pattern is evident in other public spaces in the city. For example, in May, sections of the fence surrounding the Armando Carnot children's park, located next to the Versalles Bridge, disappeared bit by bit without any governmental response.
The Bridge's Historical Significance and Structural Decline
The bridge, which opened on November 4, 1878, near the mouth of the Yumurí River, holds the distinction of being Cuba's first iron bridge. It was inaugurated by the then-Captain General of the Island, Arsenio Martínez Campos (1831-1900), and its name is associated with the period of "apparent concord" in Cuba following the Zanjón peace.
Moreover, it serves as the sole roadway connection between the Versalles neighborhood and downtown Matanzas, making it a crucial piece of infrastructure for the city.
The bridge has been suffering from structural issues for some time. In May 2025, an urgent repair was announced, yet by that month, the project had seen little progress over an eight-month span, with significant cracks, moisture erosion, and an invasive ficus complicating access.
“Aren't there any responsible eyes to see this?” questioned Ramón Recondo Pérez, a specialist at the Matanzas Architecture and Engineering Projects Company.
The bridge's restoration is part of the investment plan for Matanzas' 333rd anniversary, to be celebrated this December. “The bridge's repair is included in the plans for the city's 333rd anniversary. The investment budget may need to be adjusted,” emphasized Girón.
Key Concerns About the Matanzas Bridge Situation
What is the significance of the General Lacret Morlot Bridge in Matanzas?
The General Lacret Morlot Bridge, also known as the Versalles Bridge, is historically significant as Cuba's first iron bridge and serves as the only road link between the Versalles area and the center of Matanzas.
What challenges are faced in maintaining the bridge?
The bridge is plagued by structural deterioration due to time, lack of maintenance, and environmental factors like salt exposure, compounded by vandalism and theft of metal components.
What actions have been taken to address the bridge's condition?
An urgent repair was announced in May 2025, but significant progress has been lacking. The bridge's restoration is included in the investment plans for the city's 333rd anniversary, with potential budget adjustments anticipated.