Adiuska Suárez Morton, a cleaning worker at a hospital in Havana, shared with CubaNet her daily struggle to provide for her young child in an informal settlement in the Marianao municipality. Her challenges are compounded by low wages, the high cost of childcare, and a lack of essential resources like water.
After relocating from Guantánamo, Suárez Morton invested her savings in a small wooden house where she lives with her three-year-old son. "It's just a wooden house, but it's mine. I'm managing on my own," she stated.
Despite earning 20,000 Cuban pesos per month—almost three times the national average salary of 7,354 CUP as of August 2026, which is roughly equivalent to nine U.S. dollars at the informal exchange rate—her income falls short of covering basic living costs. "I earn 20,000 pesos, but it doesn't stretch far because prices are sky-high," she explained.
Daily Struggle for Basic Needs
Out of her earnings, she spends 4,000 CUP monthly on childcare while she works, which doesn't include meals for her son during the day. "I also have to bring him snacks, food, juice, or yogurt to ensure he eats," she added.
The Cuba Capacity Building Project estimated in May 2026 that a person needs approximately 96,000 CUP monthly to meet basic needs, which is over four times what Suárez Morton earns. "I'm under a lot of stress with prices as high as they are; it's enough to drive anyone crazy," she summarized.
Lack of Water and Infrastructure
One of the most pressing issues she faces is water access. Without a storage tank, she relies on her neighbors to obtain the water necessary for cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her child. "We're really struggling with water here. I have to get water from some neighbors' houses and fill whatever containers I can find," she explained.
Marianao is among the hardest-hit areas in Havana by the water crisis. In July, a local resident reported that her community had gone 12 consecutive days without potable water. Nationally, the regime acknowledged in October that 2.5 million Cubans experience disrupted water supplies, and Human Rights Watch documented that in some Havana neighborhoods, tap water arrives only once every 10 or 20 days.
Adding to her woes, electrical voltage fluctuations have damaged her television, an expense she can't afford to replace given her limited income.
Community Support as a Lifeline
When her resources are exhausted, the neighborhood community serves as her safety net. "Sometimes the neighbors help me, and I help them. Just two days ago, I had nothing to eat, and a neighbor shared some bean stew with me," she recalled.
Informal settlements known as "llega y pon" have expanded in various parts of Havana due to the inability to secure formal housing. Cuba faces a housing deficit of between 800,000 and 929,000 units, with 961 informal neighborhoods across the country, 513 of which lack official recognition.
In these communities, families independently manage construction, supplies, and services that would typically rely on state infrastructure. For Suárez Morton, immediate goals are clear: continue working, ensure her child is fed, and secure water for household needs. "This has to change one day because this isn't easy," she insisted, capturing the stark reality she faces.
Understanding the Struggles of Informal Settlements in Havana
What are the main challenges faced by residents in Havana's informal settlements?
Residents in Havana's informal settlements face numerous challenges including inadequate income, lack of access to essential services such as water and electricity, and the absence of formal housing. These issues are exacerbated by the high cost of living and the scarcity of resources.
How do informal settlements like "llega y pon" operate in Havana?
Informal settlements like "llega y pon" arise from the inability to access formal housing. Residents build their own homes and manage services independently, often forming tight-knit communities that support each other in times of need.
How is the water crisis affecting Marianao residents?
The water crisis in Marianao has left many residents without regular access to potable water. Some communities have reported going multiple days without water, forcing residents to rely on neighbors or makeshift solutions to meet their basic needs.