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The Cuban government is assessing the implementation of new tolls on the country's roads as a measure to finance the maintenance and improvement of the road infrastructure, which has experienced significant deterioration in recent years.
This is how the Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, stated during a meeting of the Commission for Service Attention, prior to the Fourth Ordinary Session of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) in its X Legislature.
The proposal, which arises in the context of a complex economic situation, aims to acquire foreign currency to ensure the safety and quality of the country's main communication routes, according to the state-run outlet Cubadebate.
The minister specified that four feasibility studies have been completed to enhance these points, using the following references: the Habana Matanzas Tourist Corridor (Vía Blanca) from point 0 to the entrance of the city, the Havana Bay Tunnel, the José Martí International Airport from the intersection with Avenida Boyeros to just beyond Terminal 4, and the Holguín-Guardalavaca Highway, added the Cuban News Agency.
Currently, the Cuban road system is facing serious challenges due to a lack of resources, accumulated wear, and the impacts of weather. Various roads show potholes, cracks, and impassable sections, which hinder mobility and increase the risk of accidents.
"We have a deteriorated road infrastructure, and although measures have been taken, the recovery of the roads is not progressing as expected," the official pointed out.
The numbers support that bleak picture of Cuban roadways. In fact, from a plan to lay 911,746 tons of hot asphalt concrete, only 192,271 tons have been laid to date, which is 21% of the plan, reported Rodríguez Dávila.
Furthermore, he stated that the country lacks the conditions to obtain the resources required for the technical assurance of activities related to road infrastructure, and it is also not possible to acquire the fuel volumes necessary to guarantee these operations.
The minister stated that "in 2025 we will visit each municipality to thoroughly assess the situation of the roads and design the strategy to follow based on the current economic conditions."
Last year, it was reported that the Chinese government provided a donation to the Ministry of Construction of Cuba intended for the paving of roads and international airports on the Island.
The donation consisted of 93 pieces of equipment, including 25 dump trucks, 25 vibratory compactors, rollers, six front-end loaders, loaders, and backhoe loaders, among others.
In addition, 26 generators with lighting towers were included for night work.
According to Cuban authorities, during that same year, over 700 people lost their lives due to traffic accidents. While this is not the only factor, the condition of the roads also impacts these fatalities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Tolls on Cuban Highways
Why is the Cuban government proposing to implement new tolls on the roads?
The Cuban government is proposing new tolls as a measure to finance the maintenance and improvement of road infrastructure. The country's road network has suffered significant deterioration due to a lack of resources and accumulated wear, which has negatively impacted mobility and safety on the roads.
Which roads are planned for the implementation of new tolls in Cuba?
According to the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, feasibility studies have been completed to establish tolls on the Habana-Matanzas Tourist Corridor (Vía Blanca), the Havana Bay Tunnel, from José Martí International Airport to Terminal 4, and on the Holguín-Guardalavaca Road. These locations have been identified as strategic points for the implementation of the tolls.
What is the current state of the roads in Cuba?
The Cuban road system is facing serious challenges due to a lack of resources, with many roads having potholes, cracks, and sections that are impassable. Only 21% of the planned installation of hot asphalt concrete has been completed, highlighting a critical situation in the country's road infrastructure. This condition contributes to an increase in traffic accidents, endangering the lives of both drivers and pedestrians.
What impact could the implementation of these tolls have on the Cuban population?
The implementation of tolls could represent an additional cost for citizens needing to travel on these roads, in an already challenging economic context. It is anticipated that this measure will help finance road maintenance, but it could also increase the financial burden on users of the roads. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this measure will depend on the proper management and use of the funds collected to improve road infrastructure.
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