In the Versalles neighborhood of Matanzas, a Cuban doctor named Griselda has been without electricity in her home for almost three months. During this time, she has been the sole caregiver for her bedridden mother, who suffered two pelvic fractures.
The situation came to light through a Facebook post by journalist Yunielis Moliner Isasi, also known as Yuni Moliner. She is a correspondent for Radio Habana Cuba and contributes to the state-run media outlets Radio 26 and TV Yumurí in Matanzas.
Family Hardships Compound
Griselda's family has endured a series of unfortunate events. Eight months ago, her father passed away. Just three days later, her mother, Nereida Granja Alfonso, experienced a fall that resulted in two pelvic fractures, leaving her confined to bed with severe orthopedic issues.
Since then, Griselda left her medical profession to become her mother's full-time caregiver.
Electrical Issues Add to the Burden
The electrical issue began on June 11 when a street cable failure left two blocks without power. A utility company vehicle arrived after about ten days but couldn't perform repairs due to a lack of power at the time.
When electricity was eventually restored to the area, four homes were left without service, including Griselda's. Despite her repeated complaints to the Basic Electric Office and even reaching out to municipal government and the technical director of the company, the response was only empty promises.
Continued Struggles and Frustrations
On September 2, two electrical engineers assessed the situation and suggested a fallen phase from a pole might be the cause. Yet, the absence of power during their visit rendered their assessment futile.
Efforts to report the issue through official complaint lines also failed. At one point, Griselda discovered her complaint was marked as "resolved" without any action taken.
The crisis worsened on September 5 when a component of the pole outside her house fell, coinciding with a time when power was available. A utility vehicle came, but Griselda was occupied attending to her mother and was not alerted.
Despite ongoing calls, she is continually told that the issue will be reported to the Dispatch. Yet, as journalist Yuni Moliner noted, "the electricity still hasn’t reached her home."
Reflecting a Broader Crisis
This scenario highlights more than just a technical glitch. It illustrates the struggle of a healthcare professional who sacrificed her career to care for her immobilized mother, all while grappling with a fundamental utility issue exacerbated by her family's circumstances.
The case is indicative of the severe power crisis in Matanzas, where residents reported enduring 85 continuous hours without electricity in June. This is not an isolated incident; in July, about 80 homes in the Frutas Selectas circuit were left powerless for several days due to a blown fuse that went unrepaired by technicians.
Understanding the Electrical Crisis in Matanzas
Why has Griselda been without power for nearly three months?
Griselda's home has been without electricity due to a street cable failure that left several homes without power. Despite efforts to report and resolve the issue, a solution has not been implemented.
What challenges is Griselda facing as a caregiver?
Griselda has had to leave her medical profession to care for her bedridden mother full-time, adding to the challenges of living without electricity, which is crucial for her mother's care.
What does this case indicate about the electrical infrastructure in Matanzas?
The situation is part of a larger issue with the electrical infrastructure in Matanzas, where residents frequently experience prolonged power outages and insufficient responses from utility services.