Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh led a critical meeting in Holguín to address the dire water supply situation in the province, where some areas have experienced shortages lasting over 90 days.
The meeting took place at the provincial government headquarters and included the participation of Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH); Vicente de la O Levy, Minister of Energy and Mines; directors from the Waterworks and Electric companies, and local authorities, as reported by the official newspaper ¡Ahora! on Friday.
During the discussion, the provincial delegate of INRH, Juan Mario Hechavarría Hernández, reported that rainfall levels are below the seasonal norms, and several reservoirs have seen recent declines.
Despite this, he claimed that water reserves are in "favorable" condition, albeit unevenly distributed across the region.
This assessment starkly contrasts with the situation in Holguín's northern system, where some areas have faced water service disruptions for over 70 to 90 days.
Challenges and Infrastructure Issues
The meeting also reviewed the status of water supply sources, equipment breakdowns, and the limitations of the current system.
Key problems identified included pipeline and pump equipment failures, electrical outages, and challenges with the water infrastructure.
Authorities emphasized the importance of coordination between INRH and the Electric Company to safeguard circuits essential for water pumping.
The Impact of Electrical Dependencies
The reliance of the hydraulic system on electricity exacerbates the issues. A significant 87% of Cuba's aqueducts depend on electrical power, meaning service interruptions directly affect water delivery to residents.
In municipalities like Urbano Noris, this vulnerability is pronounced since water must be pumped from the Cauto River, nearly 15 kilometers away, and any power cut halts the system for hours.
In August, pumping was stopped due to the theft of dielectric oil from the water treatment plant, leaving the municipality without water for weeks.
Exploring Alternative Solutions
Alternatives to reduce this dependency were also explored during the meeting, including utilizing gravity-fed systems and integrating renewable energy sources.
In municipalities such as Banes, Mayarí, and Urbano Noris, options to maintain water supply were identified while construction progresses to deliver water via gravity to communities reliant on pump stations.
Chapman also urged the recovery of existing capacities, including wells and associated lands, evaluating the potential to reactivate underground sources, install windmills and hand pumps, operationalize available sources, and conduct new drilling.
In September, the Lucía Íñiguez Landín clinical-surgical hospital in Holguín was reported without potable water. Patient companions had to walk nearly a kilometer to a private well to obtain it.
Understanding Holguín's Water Crisis Challenges
What factors contribute to Holguín's water shortages?
Holguín's water shortages are influenced by below-average rainfall, declining reservoir levels, and the dependency of water systems on electricity, which is often interrupted.
How are authorities addressing the water crisis in Holguín?
Authorities are exploring solutions such as improving coordination between water and electric services, utilizing gravity-fed systems, and incorporating renewable energy sources to reduce dependency on electricity.
What challenges does the reliance on electricity pose for water supply?
The reliance on electricity means that any power outages directly halt water pumping, affecting the supply to communities, especially those far from water sources.