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In response to the intense drought that persists in Ciego de Ávila, the Provincial Water and Sewer Company has implemented a water distribution cycle of 24 hours every nine days in all the popular councils of the main municipality headquarters.
The measure, which aims to alleviate the water scarcity in the municipality, has been implemented due to the reduction in flow from the main sources and the decline in the performance of pumping equipment.
According to the digital site of the weekly Invasor, the deputy director of the organization, Yorgi Luis Gómez Solano, explained that the situation worsened after two almost simultaneous incidents: the depletion of one of the sources that supplied the northern part of the capital of Ciego de Ávila, known as Ruspoli 3, and the failure of a pumping unit in the southern area.
As a temporary solution, the supply was restored from the San Fernando 1 source, albeit with a reduced flow of 180 liters per second, compared to the previous 350 liters.
To maximize the use of the limited supply, the distribution has been divided into seven zones, each receiving water for 24 hours in a cycle that extends between 7 and 9 days.
Some towns, like Grego, 9 de abril, and Santo Tomás, are less affected, as they continue to receive water approximately every four cycles, thanks to the persistence of sources in Ruspoli with some vitality.
In light of the prospect of an extended dry period, which threatens to deplete the Ruspoli reserves, authorities assure that "the future lies in the south."
In this regard, work is underway to launch San Fernando 2, involving efforts in the wells and collaboration with the Provincial Hydraulics Utilization Company and a drilling enterprise, as part of an effort to increase the available water volumes.
However, the situation is complicated by structural issues: continual blackouts, leaks in the pipes, and the depletion of underground reserves affect the efficiency of the system.
In addition, difficulties in eliminating losses at the main outlets and in the tanks of multifamily buildings are evident, further aggravating the challenge of ensuring a stable supply in a context of scarcity.
In the social network X, Aylín Alfonso Fernández, secretary of the Municipal Administration Council (CAM), highlighted the urgent need to implement corrective measures and optimize the handling of raw materials to ensure supply, while the population continues to adapt to this water regime every nine days.
The water supply cycles and the insufficient capacity to deliver it to homes are ongoing issues that affect the residents of the province of Ciego de Ávila, where no new pumping equipment for replacement has been received since 2018.
In 2023, on average, residents in that area received water every three days, in a distribution cycle that fails to meet demand, and it remains a chronic problem for consumers.
In September 2024, a significant outrage erupted among the residents of the Ramón Domínguez de la Peña community, known as the Macizo Cañero, in the Venezuela municipality of Ciego de Ávila, when the local authorities attempted to remove the turbine that pumps water from the area.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis in Ciego de Ávila
What is the current situation of the water supply in Ciego de Ávila?
The water supply in Ciego de Ávila has been reduced to a cycle of 24 hours every nine days due to the intense drought and issues with water sources and the pumping system. This measure affects all the popular councils in the main municipality.
What measures are being taken to address the drought in Ciego de Ávila?
To combat the drought, water supply has been reestablished from the San Fernando 1 source with a reduced flow, and efforts are underway to bring San Fernando 2 online. The areas have been divided to maximize the use of the limited water supply, with each receiving water for 24 hours on a cycle of 7 to 9 days.
What are the main problems exacerbating the water crisis in Ciego de Ávila?
The problems exacerbating the crisis include ongoing blackouts, leaks in the pipes, and the depletion of underground reserves, which affects the efficiency of the water distribution system.
How does the water situation in Ciego de Ávila compare to other provinces in Cuba?
The situation in Ciego de Ávila is critical, but other provinces like Santiago de Cuba are facing even more severe supply issues, with some municipalities receiving water only every 60 days.
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