Residents of Zaza, a community near Placetas in Villa Clara, have endured over three days without electricity or potable water. The lack of power has led to food spoilage, and there is no clear timeline for when services will be restored.
The blackout began at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 11, and persisted through Saturday, according to a Facebook post by content creator Ruben Carrillo. Among those affected is a family with two young daughters, facing the uncertainty of when they will regain access to essential utilities.
Without electricity, water pumping systems are halted, leaving homes without a water supply. When residents inquired about the outage, they were told of a "severe electrical deficit," although they noted that other circuits in the area have had power during the same period.
"How long must the families of Zaza endure these conditions?" Carrillo questioned in his post, highlighting the strain that extended blackouts impose on daily life for the locals.
Disparities in Power Distribution Raise Concerns
Since November 5, the Electric Company of Villa Clara has implemented a rotational schedule that provides only six hours of electricity every ten days per circuit block. The system does not account for rescheduling missed time slots.
The uneven distribution of electricity has sparked suspicions of favoritism and irregularities across circuits nationwide. In July, Roberto Morales Ojeda, the Communist Party's Organization Secretary, acknowledged "improper conduct" within the electrical sector, though he downplayed it as involving just "four or five" workers.
Impact on Water Supply and Broader Implications
The energy crisis has a direct impact on water supply. The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources attributes two-thirds of water service disruptions to electrical problems. As of early November, 2,681,770 people, or 34.5% of the Cuban population, were affected by interruptions in potable water service.
In San Francisco de Paula, Havana, residents reported suffering for over a month with only an hour of electricity daily. Meanwhile, in Santa Clara, a resident noted that half of her block had been without power for more than 24 hours due to a fallen cable, with no response from the Electric Company.
Understanding Cuba's Ongoing Energy and Water Crises
What is causing the prolonged power outages in Villa Clara?
The outages are attributed to a significant electrical deficit, impacting the area's ability to maintain a consistent power supply.
How do these power outages affect water supply?
The lack of electricity halts water pumping systems, leading to disruptions in the supply of potable water to homes.
Are there any signs of favoritism in power distribution?
There are suspicions of favoritism, as some circuits experience power while others do not, despite the overall deficit. This has led to concerns of irregularities.