A Cuban resident has openly criticized the country's leadership, calling for concrete solutions to the population's pressing issues, particularly the ongoing water scarcity, following Miguel Díaz-Canel's review of a government initiative aimed at improving water supply in Havana.
In a Facebook post, Elizabeth González Aznar shared her interactions with officials from various ministries and state agencies. She expressed her frustration with their tendency to respond to public complaints with explanations about national difficulties, rather than offering effective solutions.
"The more I interact with state and government officials, the more I realize that Cuba's issues won't be resolved even if the blockade were lifted. Not without urgent internal changes," she remarked.
González Aznar described how multiple complaints led to visits from representatives of different institutions at her home. While these visits could indicate interest, she questioned their genuine purpose. In her view, good intentions are insufficient as families have waited years for basic needs to be addressed.
"The people need solutions, results. The people need to live with dignity. It's been many years, over half a century of waiting," she asserted.
A major critique in her post targets how officials handle citizen complaints. State representatives often come prepared to explain the root causes of issues, but such explanations don't always lead to actionable measures that improve the situation.
González Aznar reflected on how her father, at 81, she herself at 47, and her 14-year-old son have all grown up hearing official excuses about the country's economic hardships.
In her view, understanding the challenges faced by institutions does not absolve public officials from their responsibilities. "The people know and understand, even if you think otherwise. You are the ones who fail to understand that your role is not just to explain, explain, and explain," she stated.
Speaking directly to Díaz-Canel, González Aznar was blunt: "President, the truth lies with the people. The people do not lie because we have nothing left to lose," she declared.
She also criticized the lack of planning for foreseeable situations, suggesting that authorities should have contingencies in place before problems leave the population without basic necessities for extended periods.
González Aznar's reflection is particularly significant amid ongoing water supply issues in Havana, a critical service that authorities admit still faces challenges across all the city's municipalities.
She highlighted families enduring over a week without water and criticized institutions for merely explaining leaks, breakages, or pumping difficulties.
"Understanding doesn't enable us to survive without water, for instance. We are living beings and need it. Having people survive without water for over seven days is inhumane," she emphasized.
For her, recognizing the causes of service interruptions does not excuse those responsible from finding alternatives to ensure supply to affected residents. "There are leaks, breakages, pumping issues, okay, but alongside these, there must be solutions, options for delivering water to people," she insisted.
"That's what we expect from you, not speeches about the blockade and resources, which we already know. Unfortunately, that's not what we receive. So, what now?" she wrote.
Despite Díaz-Canel's announcements of progress, thousands of Havana residents remain without water. González Aznar's statements coincide with an official report published on October 7 by the Cuban News Agency (ACN), detailing Miguel Díaz-Canel's visit to the El Gato Main Tank in the Cotorro municipality.
The leader claimed advancements in the Comprehensive Water Supply Assurance Program in the capital and highlighted the need to extend these results to other provinces. According to figures provided by the authorities, approximately 14,500 people had their water issues resolved in the past week.
Yosvani Rubí Bazail, the general director of Aguas de La Habana, stated that since the program's inception, about 296,000 people were no longer affected, reducing the number of residents experiencing service difficulties from approximately 577,000 to 282,000.
The official mentioned maintenance work and the elimination of a significant leak in the El Gato Main Tank system, although pending interventions in the distribution network remain. He also linked the stabilization of water supply to improvements in the electrical system.
Despite these announced improvements, the director himself admitted that issues persisted in all Havana municipalities and that recovery would continue gradually in the coming weeks.
González Aznar's publication highlights the gap between institutional reports on repairs and the immediate needs of those without essential services.
Her demand extends beyond water supply. She also critiques an administrative practice that, in her experience, prioritizes explanations over tangible results, leaving citizens waiting for solid answers.
In January 2026, González Aznar reported enduring 22 consecutive days without potable water. The water crisis she describes is a nationwide issue.
Last week, the regime acknowledged that by the end of September, 2.7 million Cubans had their water service fully or partially affected.
Understanding the Water Crisis in Cuba
What are the main causes of water scarcity in Havana?
The primary causes include infrastructure issues like leaks, breakages, and insufficient pumping capacity, as well as broader systemic problems related to planning and resource allocation.
How has the government addressed the water supply issues?
The government has initiated programs to improve water supply, including maintenance work and addressing leaks. However, progress is slow and issues persist across Havana.
How have citizens responded to government measures on water supply?
Many citizens, like Elizabeth González Aznar, have criticized the lack of effective solutions and have expressed frustration over continued water shortages and insufficient governmental response.