The floating pier at Alameda de Paula in Old Havana is steadily losing its structural integrity. Recently, a group of young individuals was spotted attempting to detach the metal beams of this once-celebrated installation using hammers. Opened just over a decade ago, the pier has now become a neglected and hazardous space.
On Tuesday, October 27, journalist Darío Hernández from the independent newspaper 14ymedio captured the scene as these youths hammered away at the iron supports. Their possible motive for this vandalism could be to sell the metal as scrap—an unconfirmed but common source of income in Cuba.
The pier's wooden deck has almost entirely vanished, exposing a grid of metal beams precariously suspended over the water. The youths risked falling into the bay as they maneuvered between gaps while attempting to remove the beams.
A sign at the pier's entrance, put up by the Grupo de Inversiones Avenida del Puerto, warns with messages such as "No access," "Pier under repair," and "Avoid being summoned." However, these warnings seemed to go unheeded as the unauthorized activity continued.
From Landmark to Ruin
Inaugurated in late 2015 as a part of the Avenida del Puerto restoration project led by the Office of the Historian of Havana under Eusebio Leal, the pier was intended to revitalize public access to the bay, offering a place for walking, fishing, and enjoying the waterfront.
Yet, just a year into its existence, problems began to surface. In 2019, architect Orlando Inclán, one of the project's designers, admitted that the initial planks used were substandard and the installation lacked a proper maintenance plan.
Due to safety concerns, the promenade was shut down in April 2021, but the structure continued to deteriorate with pieces falling away. By August 2026, CiberCuba published further reports highlighting the pier's abandonment, complete with photos showing dislodged boards, broken railings, and other signs of decay.
A local resident raised alarms about not only the vanishing boards and railings but also the disappearance of polystyrene components crucial for keeping the structure afloat, urging authorities to take action.
In the weeks leading up to the 14ymedio report, videos circulated showing individuals carrying away planks removed from the pier.
Understanding the Crisis at Havana's Floating Pier
What was the original purpose of the floating pier in Havana?
The floating pier was part of a restoration initiative to enhance public access to the bay, offering a recreational area for walking, fishing, and enjoying the waterfront.
Why is the floating pier in such a state of disrepair?
The pier's deterioration is due to the use of substandard materials, lack of a maintenance plan, and subsequent neglect, leading to its current hazardous condition.
What actions have been taken to address the pier's condition?
Despite being closed for safety in 2021, the pier continues to deteriorate. Residents have called for government intervention, but no significant restoration efforts have been confirmed.