What initially started as a promotional video showcasing the work of a well-digging crew from Manzanillo quickly ignited a heated online discussion about the physical ordeal and the primitive conditions under which such tasks are still performed in Cuba.
The footage, shared in the Facebook group "REVOLICO CAMPECHUELA 2026" by user Reynier Moreno, captures a group of men manually digging a 118-foot-deep well, relying almost entirely on their physical strength without any machinery.
"Here you see the crew giving it their all. The best well diggers in all of Manzanillo. Top-notch results," commented one of the team members.
The end result was described as "a well 118 feet deep," equipped with a submersible pump. While some admired the workers' dedication, many criticized the necessity of using such primitive methods for a task of this magnitude.
"Doing it by hand, it's brutal. That's self-destructive effort," one user remarked.
"They'll end up without arms and spines," warned another.
A third commentator summed up a common sentiment: "Acknowledging the incredible physical effort, it's shocking that in 2026 this is still necessary when machinery exists."
Others, however, praised the well diggers' work ethic. "And they say Cubans are lazy," noted one user.
Among the commenters were individuals with experience in the field. A well digger from Matanzas mentioned typically working on projects between 46 and 66 feet deep, while others noted the use of manual methods with tripods, pulleys, or ropes to ease the physical burden.
Water Scarcity Drives Well Digging in Cuba
Although the video does not specify whether the well was a direct response to a public service outage, it surfaces amid a severe water supply crisis in Cuba.
In May, authorities admitted that around 2.7 million Cubans faced issues accessing potable water. Seeking alternative sources has become essential for many families, as evidenced in Matanzas, where numerous wells have been dug in yards and sidewalks due to water shortages.
In August, a Cuban woman revived an old artisanal well and documented the entire process on social media, garnering hundreds of thousands of views.
The crisis has also significantly impacted Havana, with over half a million people affected during the summer due to breakdowns, blackouts, and distribution network issues.
Now, scenes of these well diggers working their way 118 feet underground draw attention once more to a practice that combines craft, physical endurance, and traditional methods.
"Men of sacrifice," wrote one user in response to their efforts.
For many who commented on the video, the astonishment was not just in reaching such depths, but in how it was achieved: virtually by hand, in the year 2026.
Insights on Manual Well Digging in Cuba
Why are Cubans digging wells by hand?
Many Cubans resort to manual well digging due to the ongoing water supply crisis and limited access to modern machinery. This method provides an alternative water source for those affected by shortages.
What challenges do manual well diggers face in Cuba?
Manual well diggers in Cuba face significant physical challenges, including potential harm from strenuous labor and the lack of modern equipment, which makes the work more grueling and time-consuming.
How does the water crisis in Cuba affect daily life?
The water crisis in Cuba severely impacts daily life, forcing families to find alternative water sources, such as digging wells, and cope with disruptions in water supply due to infrastructure issues.