Cuba Grapples with Severe Water Shortages and Protests

Crisis Unfolding in Cuba's Water Supply

On Tuesday night, residents of La Rosita neighborhood in San Miguel del Padrón took to the streets after more than two weeks without drinking water. Protesters shouted, “Turn the water on!” as they stopped traffic in the middle of Calzada de Guines. "People from the government came, they brought us water trucks, thank God," says Badiela Ayala, who participated in the protest. Despite temporary solutions, the core issue remains unsolved, and many worry about a return to severe water shortages.

Underlying Causes of the Crisis

The water crisis in Cuba reflects broader systemic problems, exacerbated by inadequate pipeline maintenance and fuel shortages. Authorities admit over 600,000 people lack access to water, particularly affecting Havana where 130,000 clients are noted to be without service.

• Breakdowns of pumping equipment
• Power outages affecting residents
• Unaddressed leaks, with around 2,000 ongoing in Havana

The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights has criticized governmental figures, suggesting the true number of people without access could be as high as 1.9 million.

Ongoing Public Protests

Residents have expressed dire feelings about the situation. Lismary Mariño, from Pinar del Río, shared her experience of being without water for more than a month: “The truth is that this is a desperate situation.” Protests across various neighborhoods have become a common response to the government’s lack of effective solutions.

Cuban officials, including president Miguel Díaz-Canel, have faced scrutiny regarding the water crisis, with reports indicating some areas could remain unrepaired for extended periods. Workers leaving the water management sector in search of better salaries complicates the situation further.

Public Demand for Accountability

• Residents demand responses from Aguas de La Habana, the water management company.
• Protests feature citizens appealing for stable water supply.
• Government's deployment of police reflects their concern over civil unrest.

The response from the Cuban government has been limited to temporary fixes rather than sustainable long-term solutions.