The crisis of water supply worsened in Havana after electrical instability caused the burning of pumping motors.
Multiple disruptions were reported in the West system, primarily in La Lisa and Marianao, in the Central area, particularly in Plaza de la Revolución and Cuenca Sur, as well as in the South, with a direct impact on Arroyo Naranjo and Cotorro, reported Canal Habana.
The report from the official media also explains that the pipe plans are not sufficient to address the issues, as almost all municipalities in the province are currently reporting problems.
In this way, more than 90,000 residents of Havana are facing supply irregularities.
“In the entity's workshops, work is being carried out tirelessly to address some of the reported breakdowns, including the most recent issue with the motor of the Diezmero's propeller in San Miguel de Padrón, which burned out and will now undergo a recovery process that may take up to four days to complete,” the report states.
Additionally, the state-owned Aguas de La Habana reported that there will be a disruption in the Ariguanabo pipeline early next Tuesday, affecting the Playa municipality due to repair work.
The water supply crisis is spreading throughout the island. Recently, it was revealed that in Matanzas, water is pumped for only two hours a day, and there are areas where the delivery cycle by trucks has been extended to 16 days, a combination that leaves thousands of people trapped in a situation that remains unsolved.
Matanzas faces one of its worst water supply crises in years, with pumping equipment out of service, collapsed hydraulic networks, constant blackouts, and an infrastructure at its breaking point, despite being, ironically, a region with abundant groundwater reserves.
In Sancti Spíritus, the number of people relying on water distributed by tanker trucks has doubled in just one year, increasing from 40,000 in May 2024 to nearly 82,000 currently.
Ciego de Ávila is also not escaping the crisis. The reduction in flow from main sources and the low efficiency of pumping equipment have forced the establishment of a 24-hour water delivery cycle every nine days in all the popular councils of the main municipality, with severe consequences for production, services, and daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Water Crisis in Cuba
What is the current situation regarding water supply in Havana?
The water supply crisis in Havana has worsened due to the electrical instability that has caused the burning of pumping motors. More than 90,000 Havana residents are facing irregularities in water supply, especially in the municipalities of La Lisa, Marianao, Plaza de la Revolución, Arroyo Naranjo, and Cotorro.
What measures have been taken to address the water crisis in Havana?
Repairs are underway on the damaged pumping engines, although the process may take several days. The state-owned Aguas de La Habana has reported scheduled outages for repairs, but the plans for distribution via tanker trucks are insufficient to cover all the impacts.
What other provinces in Cuba are facing water supply issues?
In addition to Havana, provinces such as Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba, Sancti Spíritus, and Ciego de Ávila are experiencing serious water supply issues. The situation has been exacerbated by the drought, the energy crisis, and inadequate infrastructure.
How does the energy crisis affect the water supply in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has significantly contributed to the water crisis. The ongoing blackouts and lack of electricity hinder the proper functioning of pumping systems, resulting in extremely long water cycles and a lack of regular access to drinking water for thousands of people.
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