The alarming degradation of a building in Matanzas, posing a significant risk of collapse, has been brought to light by Dariel Vicedo, also known as "The Wandering Matancero" on social media. He directly addressed the provincial government in a Facebook post, urging them to take immediate action.
The images he shared are quite telling: the concrete awning over the establishment has lost several pieces, revealing rusted steel rods that pose a clear threat of falling onto the sidewalk at any moment.
Dariel sounded the alarm over the dangerous state of the structure, calling for urgent intervention from the authorities to prevent a potential accident.
"The question isn't whether it will fall—it's evident it will. The real question is: will they fix it BEFORE or AFTER a tragedy happens?" he challenged.
The sign on the building identifies it as a "Dispensary Center / Permanent Shift."
Matanzas is suffering from the longstanding institutional neglect that has plagued the area for years.
Back in July, a building on Milanés Street, between Manzaneda and Zaragoza, partially collapsed unexpectedly in Matanzas' historic center. It had been officially deemed unsafe since 2013, yet the authorities not only ignored this technical ruling for 13 years but also converted the deteriorated structure into housing in 2016.
A month later, three hazardous walls remain standing, undemolished, during the hurricane season, posing active threats to residents and passersby, as reported by the Girón newspaper. Those affected have voiced their concerns: "The free-standing walls continue to threaten lives and have the potential to damage neighboring houses."
The historic center of Matanzas, a designated National Monument, is home to approximately 100 buildings in severe disrepair, with 12% of its structures in poor condition and at risk of irreversible destruction.
The factors contributing to this dire situation include a lack of planned maintenance, shortages of construction materials, and insufficient funding, as the regime prioritizes building tourist hotels over preserving residential heritage and essential services.
The newspaper Girón has warned, "What is at stake now is not just the image of Matanzas, but the health and future of its residents."
Understanding the Structural Risks in Matanzas
What triggered the recent concerns about building safety in Matanzas?
Concerns were heightened after Dariel Vicedo highlighted the severe deterioration of a structure in Matanzas, showcasing images of exposed and rusted steel rods that could potentially fall and cause injury.
Why has the situation in Matanzas persisted for so long?
The situation has persisted due to a combination of institutional neglect, lack of planned maintenance, and prioritization of tourism infrastructure over local residential needs.
What are the potential risks if the buildings are not repaired?
If the buildings are not repaired, there is a significant risk of collapse, which could endanger lives and cause damage to surrounding properties.