In an unfortunate turn of events, solar-powered streetlights that had been installed less than a month ago on major thoroughfares of Santiago de Cuba have been stolen by unknown individuals, plunging busy areas of the city back into darkness.
CMKW Radio Mambí reported the incident on their Facebook page, accompanied by text and images from journalist Rey Luis Correa.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Provincial Government as a temporary solution to the ongoing power crisis, aimed to install solar lights on avenues like Las Américas, Céspedes, Garzón, Plaza de Marte, and Ferreiro. This was intended to provide lighting during prolonged blackouts and ease the load on the National Electric System. Unfortunately, the project barely lasted a few days.
Radio Mambí's post lamented, "Opportunistic and unscrupulous individuals have stolen them, taking advantage of the night as their accomplice."
As of now, there has been no public disclosure on the number of streetlights that vanished, whether the police are investigating, or if any suspects have been identified. Santiago de Cuba's Electric Company has also not issued any official response.
Comments from citizens on social media paint a dire picture. A resident named Susana Martínez recounted how workers from the Mella campus of the University of Oriente called the police as the theft unfolded, but officers never arrived: "The thieves threatened the university workers with stones and sticks if they intervened. Where are we heading?"
Another concerned citizen, Anabel Castro, expressed disbelief at how the theft occurred right in front of state institutions with guards, including the Municipal Government itself: "Many of those lights are in front of state institutions, including the Municipal Government, with guards. Where is the patrol police? This is the job of the National Revolutionary Police, who do absolutely nothing."
Beatriz Héctor echoed similar sentiments: "This shows there's no longer any surveillance in parks as before, and streets aren't being patrolled like they used to be. We know there's a fuel shortage, but when there's a will, there's a way."
The theft is not an isolated incident. Santiago de Cuba has seen a rise in the theft of energy infrastructure, including ETECSA panels in the Flores district, a solar panel in Micro 9-2 affecting over 560 users, and now these public-use solar streetlights. Nationally, the trend includes stolen solar lamps from churches in Havana, dismantled solar park structures in Granma, and public lighting cables across various provinces.
The energy crisis partly explains the scale of the issue. On August 2, Cuba experienced a total disconnection from the national electric system, with Santiago de Cuba being the last province to reconnect after nearly 48 hours without power. In this context, solar equipment has become highly valuable in the black market.
The regime has responded by toughening penalties: Article 125 of the Penal Code classifies these thefts as sabotage, punishable by up to 30 years, and the Supreme People's Court's Ruling 475 extends this classification to photovoltaic parks and telecommunications. Despite this, thefts continue, with citizens blaming police inaction for enabling them.
As highlighted by the Santiago de Cuba Hoy portal in their report, "It's not enough to install equipment, photograph it, and announce the project on social media: ensuring that they remain where they were placed is also essential."
Understanding the Theft of Solar Lights in Santiago de Cuba
Why were solar streetlights installed in Santiago de Cuba?
The solar streetlights were installed as a temporary solution to the city's frequent power outages, providing lighting during blackouts and reducing stress on the national electric system.
How has the community reacted to the theft?
Community members have expressed frustration and concern over the theft, criticizing the lack of police response and security measures, especially considering the lights were near state institutions.
What actions are being taken to address the theft?
While there have been no official reports of arrests or investigations, the regime has increased penalties for such thefts, classifying them as sabotage with severe punishments.