Cuban Road Crisis Highlighted in Viral Video: "I Can't Get Through Otherwise"

A group of Cuban drivers halted their journey on a severely damaged road to fill potholes with bags of rubble and stones before they could proceed, as depicted in a video uploaded to Facebook by user Reinaldo Trotman.

The footage captures several men unloading sacks filled with debris from a bus. They then work together to fill the holes on what many online users have identified as the road segment between Las Tunas and Bayamo, located in eastern Cuba.

One of the participants comments, "We all need to contribute here to make it through since the situation is chaotic."

A woman recording the scene remarks, "A good deed so we can reach Havana safely."

"Look at what Cubans have to do, look at this mess; it's a disaster," a young man questions.

One driver advises his peers to "avoid saying anything controversial," likely due to fears of repercussions for criticizing the regime. This sentiment is echoed in the comments, with one user stating, "We have more fear than hunger."

Another user warned of potential legal consequences: "I tried to do that once, and they threatened to fine me."

The post sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the transporters' solidarity: "That's my cousin, trying to improve the roads ourselves. I did it on my block with my husband and neighbors for everyone's benefit. Let's keep going, each doing our part."

However, many directly criticized the government for the neglect. "What a lack of respect for the people. Nothing works in Cuba. How many officials pass by without anyone caring to fix that road?" one user wrote. Another highlighted the fiscal contradiction: "All vehicles are taxed for road repairs. Where's that money going?"

There were also economic motivations noted: "He cares about the country but also knows he can't earn money from passengers if he doesn't fill the holes."

Technical warnings were voiced: "The rubble used to fill the potholes, when loose, becomes hazardous with rain and traffic. The intention is good, but the results aren't."

Some remained skeptical: "The intention is good, but within two hours, no stone will remain in those holes." Another commented, "If they fill all the holes, they'll never reach Havana."

An international commenter pinpointed the potholes "between Guantánamo and Santiago" and vowed to do the same on their next visit to the island. Another was more critical: "What happens in Cuba is unseen elsewhere. In every other country, it's the government's responsibility to ensure roads, hospitals, housing, and more."

"The streets aren't fixed because they lack ownership and because the officials embezzle the budget," claimed one commentator. "The road will be newly constructed in a soon-to-be free Cuba. We appreciate your effort, but a country doesn't progress with little bags," emphasized another.

The deteriorating state of Cuban roads is a daily reality drivers must contend with. The Ministry of Transport acknowledged before the National Assembly in July 2024 that only 22.3% of planned pothole repairs were completed in the first half of that year, with 12 out of 25 asphalt plants shut down.

By mid-2025, official data revealed that 75% of the country's roads remained in fair or poor condition.

In August, a massive pothole was reported at the exit of the highway (Ocho Vías) leading to the road segment connecting Guanajay with the Puente de Caimito in Artemisa. The hole spanned almost the entire roadway and was deep enough to trap a vehicle with no possibility of escape.