The Torre K Hotel on 23rd Street, one of the most controversial constructions in recent years in Havana, has sparked an intense debate about the government's use of resources for projects that meet the needs of the population.
With a budget of 200 million dollars, Cuban architect Julio Herrera illustrated in a video posted to his Instagram profile the alternatives that could have been funded with this amount in terms of infrastructure, social services, and community development.
According to Herrera, based on prices in the United States, the resources invested in the construction of the controversial tourist facility could have been used to realize various social and cultural impact projects, such as:
- A new Thermal Power Plant (CTE) with an output of about 300 Megawattsequivalent to the mistreated CTE Antonio Guiteras, the largest in the country.
- A New Type of General Hospital, with about 400 beds.
- Four children's hospitals with approximately 120 bedsfor children and newborns.
- Three Maternity Hospitalsof about 150 beds.
- 20 of our Turkish Patanas or 15 Megawatt Floating Power Stationsfor exclusive national use.
- 100 well-equipped polyclinicsfor primary health care.
- 200 well-equipped dental clinicsfor dental and maxillofacial care.
- 400 optical and ophthalmological clinicsFor general care and eye operations.
The debate not only centers around the amount invested but also on the priorities of the involved parties. While projects like the Hotel Torre de K create jobs during their construction and aim to boost tourism, critics argue that these benefits often concentrate in specific sectors, neglecting the more urgent needs of the population.
"Why do we need another hotel?... There are already enough, and they are never full, because the tourism offered isn't good either, and people simply choose another destination... So tell me, why another and another, with so many current shortcomings... If someone is envisioning the future... Tell me, is someone preparing and enhancing their life at the expense of a community filled with misery?" was the comment from an internet user.
Another person mentioned that there is a well-known Cuban hospital nearby that requires major repairs. "Five blocks away is the Calixto García. A hospital that has been under renovation for years, with closed wards and equipment from the 90s. That's where the community really gets care," they noted.
The Hotel Torre K-23, located at the intersection of 23rd and K streets in El Vedado, rises 154 meters high with 42 floors that house 565 five-star rooms.
This project, entirely funded with Cuban capital, began construction in 2018 and was initially scheduled for completion in 2022; however, its inauguration has been rescheduled for 2024.
The building has faced intense criticism from both citizens and architecture experts. The Cuban architect Maurys Alfonso Risco referred to its design as a "dagger in the landscape of Havana," noting that it violates urban regulations of Vedado and lacks elements typical of tropical architecture, such as covered terraces or eaves for sun protection. Moreover, the reflections from its glass façades hinder visibility of traffic lights, impacting drivers.
The hotel will be managed by the Spanish chain Iberostar, which will take over the operation of this hotel and others in the Cuban capital.
On social media, the K-23 Tower has humorously been renamed "The Overlook of Misery" or "The Tower of Mordor," reflecting popular discontent regarding a construction that stands in stark contrast to the unmet basic needs of the population, such as infrastructure repairs, hospitals, and the energy system.
This context has intensified the debate over government priorities in resource allocation, especially amid a period of economic and social crisis in Cuba. The construction of the K-23 Tower is seen as a symbol of inequality and disregard for the urgent needs of the populace.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hotel Torre K-23 and its Impact on Havana
Why has the construction of the Torre K-23 Hotel generated controversy?
The construction of the Torre K-23 Hotel has sparked controversy due to its symbolism of inequality amid an economic crisis in Cuba. The investment in its construction stands in stark contrast to the unmet basic needs of the population, such as the repair of infrastructure, hospitals, and the energy system. Many Cubans criticize the government for prioritizing luxury tourism over the urgent needs of the people.
What alternatives could have been financed with the budget of the Hotel Torre K-23?
According to architect Julio Herrera, the 200 million dollars invested in the Hotel Torre K-23 could have financed projects such as a new thermal power plant, general and children’s hospitals, dental and optical clinics, among others. These alternatives would have had a more significant social impact on the Cuban population.
What is the impact of the Hotel Torre K-23 on the urban landscape of Havana?
The Hotel Torre K-23 has been criticized for its negative impact on the skyline of Havana. Its design has been described as a "dagger in the landscape," as it does not adhere to urban regulations and creates issues such as the glare from its glass windows, which affects the visibility of traffic lights. This structure stands out due to its size and style, contrasting sharply with the traditional urban environment of El Vedado.
What alternative names have Cubans suggested for the Hotel Torre K-23?
On social media, Cubans have renamed the Torre K-23 Hotel with titles such as "The Outlook of Misery," "The Tower of Arrogance," and "The Tower of Mordor." These names reflect popular discontent regarding what they see as a demonstration of the government's misplaced priorities, amidst a backdrop of shortages and unfulfilled needs on the island.
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