On Friday, the Cuban regime unveiled a batch of Chinese-made equipment designed to aid in the collection of solid waste in Havana. This development was showcased during a tour led by Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman at the Playa municipality's logistical base.
According to the state-run Canal Caribe, the shipment consists of 20 trucks and over 240 Ampliroll-type containers capable of carrying loads of five to 10 tons. These trucks boast features such as air conditioning, mountain brakes, and eight-speed gearboxes.
The total expenditure for this initiative exceeds one million euros and is entirely funded by the Cuban government, as reported by the official media. Despite these efforts, city officials have conceded that this measure addresses only part of the critical issue and is not a comprehensive fix.
The assembly of the containers is being carried out by the national industry at their facilities in Guanabo. However, progress is hindered by the energy crisis that has stalled much of the country’s productive activities.
A Temporary Solution Amidst Long-standing Challenges
A specialist noted that transporting the disassembled structures improves space efficiency: "A container can hold 14 pieces of equipment when disassembled, compared to just three when assembled."
The plan includes establishing temporary collection points across various municipalities, where residents and institutions can deposit waste for the trucks to collect. Additionally, authorities have scheduled meetings within districts and Popular Councils to explain the procedures to the public.
This initiative comes against the backdrop of a chronic waste collection collapse in Havana. As of February this year, only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks were operational, representing merely 41% of the fleet, primarily due to diesel shortages and mechanical failures. The capital generates between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of waste daily, yet up to 23,814 cubic meters remain uncollected each day. Furthermore, the city faces a structural deficit of containers, requiring between 20,000 and 30,000 units but possessing only about 10,000, many of which are in poor condition.
Public Skepticism and Historical Context
China's involvement in Havana's waste management is not new. Last August, Beijing provided electric tricycles for garbage collection in the capital; however, a pilot project using these vehicles in the Rampa Popular Council failed due to the inability to charge them amid electricity shortages.
The latest announcement has been met with public skepticism on social media. "Let's see how long it takes for a truck to collect the garbage due to fuel shortages," commented Yendri Rodríguez on the official video post. Carlos Borges expressed a similar sentiment: "As long as the state manages it, the disorder will continue. Diverting fuel for personal use... Handing it over to a private entity would be beneficial."
Felix Batista Ferrales echoed this view: "Giving it to a private company would ensure they last longer, not the state enterprises we know misuse them for personal trips to the beach." Gerardo Pavón humorously summarized the concern with a single question: "One per municipality? Haha."
These doubts are compounded by past experiences, such as in 2019 when Japan donated 100 garbage trucks to Havana. The fleet quickly fell into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance, parts, and fuel, following a familiar pattern of acquiring equipment without ensuring operational sustainability.
Understanding the Waste Collection Crisis in Havana
Why is the waste collection system in Havana struggling?
The waste collection system in Havana is struggling due to a combination of factors, including a shortage of operational garbage trucks, insufficient fuel supplies, and a lack of maintenance and spare parts. The city's infrastructure is inadequate, with a structural deficit in containers needed to manage the volume of waste generated daily.
What role does China play in Havana's waste management?
China has been involved in assisting Havana's waste management by providing equipment such as garbage trucks and electric tricycles. However, previous initiatives, like the electric tricycles, have faced challenges due to infrastructure limitations, such as electricity shortages.
Why are Havana residents skeptical about the new waste collection equipment?
Residents are skeptical because past efforts to improve waste collection, including international donations, have often failed due to poor management, maintenance issues, and resource shortages, such as fuel. There is a prevailing belief that state-run operations may not effectively resolve these issues.