Almaley S.R.L., a private microenterprise, has officially begun contracting to manage and collect solid waste in the Historic Center of Camagüey, addressing the challenges faced by state-run communal services, according to local official sources on Friday.
This privately-owned company, specializing in sanitation, will extend its services to state-owned companies, budgeted units, other microenterprises, self-employed workers, and residents in the heritage zone.
Radio Cadena Agramonte itself acknowledged that the "severe fuel shortage" hinders the operation of garbage collection vehicles, while the buildup of debris and household waste due to "social indiscipline" further exacerbates the issue.
Since the beginning of the year, Almaley has partnered with Communal Services and the Office of the Historian for cleanup efforts in popular districts like Centro, San Juan de Dios, and América Latina, focusing on streets such as San Esteban, Verges, and Jesús María.
Now, the company aims to expand this collaboration through a formal service contract and is preparing to restore three garbage trucks designated for prioritized areas. It also plans to set up ampirole beds at strategic locations to aid in waste disposal.
The new framework offers differentiated services for the public and state sectors, microenterprises and self-employed individuals, and private citizens, the source detailed.
This initiative is backed by Law 150/2022 of the Natural Resources and Environment System, Decree-Law 88/2024 on incentives for microenterprises, and recent provisions in the Official Gazette updating contracting procedures between state and non-state entities.
Almaley's case is part of a wider trend across the island, where private companies take on waste collection duties, charging fees due to the state's inability to maintain these services. For instance, the microenterprise Belmary started charging 100 pesos monthly per household in Isla de la Juventud.
In early September, a viral video showed a massive pile of trash in front of a store in the heart of Camagüey. Days earlier, a resident reported that Camujiro Street had gone two months without garbage collection, with waste occupying the entire road.
Meanwhile, in April, local authorities acknowledged a significant rise in cases of hepatitis A in the provincial capital, while the Ministry of Public Health warned of a potential nationwide dengue epidemic.
Understanding the Waste Management Crisis in Camagüey
What company is managing waste in Camagüey's Historic Center?
Almaley S.R.L., a private microenterprise, is managing waste in the Historic Center of Camagüey.
What challenges are state-run communal services facing in Camagüey?
State-run communal services in Camagüey are struggling with a severe fuel shortage and social indiscipline, leading to inefficient waste collection.
How is the private sector assisting with waste management in Cuba?
Private companies in Cuba are stepping in to manage waste collection, often charging fees, as the state fails to provide adequate services.