The recent tragedy that occurred in Havana, where a 13-year-old boy died after falling into an open manhole during a flood, has led to a surge in complaints about uncovered drains across the country.
A video from CiberCuba shared on Facebook shows the situation in the Luyanó neighborhood and its surroundings, near the place where the boy died, which is filled with holes that anyone—not just a minor—could fall into and be seriously injured.
The situation is repeating throughout the city.
"Fifteen years ago, my son fell into a sewer; it wasn’t during a flood, but in a small park in front of the Guanabo shopping complex," a mother recalled.
"Across from the barbershop in Kohly, on the sidewalk, there’s a kind of hole over two meters deep. I saw it yesterday; it’s so dangerous. Thousands of people pass by that sidewalk on their way to El Bosque store; it’s like a pit," described a mother and grandmother.
"In Altahabana, that's a chronic issue. I met an adult many years ago who fell into one of those holes, and everything is still the same," lamented another internet user.
"In El Cotorro it's the same, and a few years ago a girl went missing too, but no one seems to care. Where is the municipal government? If Díaz-Canel were to visit, everything would be fixed and painted," another person pointed out.
"Even inside the Coppelia, I've seen drains without grates, and from what I see, they haven't done anything even after a child died. Are they waiting for there to be more fatalities? How long will this negligence continue?" lamented an elderly woman.
In the Facebook group "EL VEDADO DE HOY", the user Jorge Cervantes Álvarez shared a photo of a manhole next to a huge hole in a sidewalk beneath which dirty water flows.
"Nothing justifies a manhole remaining uncovered. Just as a hole in a sidewalk or street isn't acceptable," he stated.
"What happened to the boy who died in the flooded avenue just 48 hours ago was the negligence of everyone and many. The young man should not have exposed himself, but he did. However, our neighborhoods flood due to sewer systems filled with filth. This results from social indiscipline and poorly executed or simply unexecuted work. The drains must be sealed and secured to prevent them from overflowing," he added.
The profile of Facebook La Tijera published images of the town of Delicias, in Las Tunas, where potholes and uncovered or improperly covered manholes are prevalent.
"In many of those places, there have already been several accidents that have resulted in injuries and fractures for many people. The local authorities responsible for addressing these issues remain indifferent and detached from this situation; they simply do not care," he stated.
In another post, La Tijera criticized those who blame the minor's accident in Havana on their parents, teachers, or the school director, and clarified that the true culprit is the government, which is not interested in resolving the problems faced by Cubans.
"The regime's irresponsibility regarding the maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of sewage and drainage systems, as well as the potholes in the streets, results in situations like this, where a child died simply because no one cared to put a lid on that manhole," he recalled.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Infrastructure and Drainage Crisis in Cuba
Why are there so many manholes without covers in Havana?
The situation of the uncovered manholes in Havana is due to the negligence of the Cuban government in maintaining and repairing the sewage infrastructure. The lack of resources and ineffective management has resulted in many of them remaining open, posing a danger to pedestrians.
How does the lack of manhole covers affect the residents of Havana?
The absence of covers on the manholes poses a significant risk to the safety of the residents of Havana, especially during floods. People, including children, can fall into these open manholes, which has led to serious accidents and even loss of life.
What responsibility does the Cuban government have in the death of the child who fell into a sewer?
The Cuban government is responsible for not ensuring proper maintenance of the sewers and for the lack of preventive measures that could have prevented tragedies like the death of the child in Havana. The negligence in infrastructure management has been criticized by citizens and observers.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the drainage and sewage crisis?
Despite the criticisms and complaints, the actions of the Cuban government have been insufficient to address the drainage and sewage crisis. Promises of improvement have not resulted in real changes, and the infrastructure continues to be in a state of disrepair that impacts public safety.
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