Alex Daniel, a young Cuban, shared a video on TikTok showcasing a specific episode that reflects the level of hardship experienced in Cuba. In his recording, he recounts how he had to carry water in a wheelbarrow to deliver it to his wife’s grandparents' house in the village of Macoba, as they had not a single drop of water for cooking or personal hygiene.
With a measured voice, the young man recounts that he was forced to travel a long distance to obtain water. Along the way, he hitched a ride on a horse-drawn carriage that ended up breaking down, adding more complications to his journey. Still, he says it was all worth it because it was necessary. “It’s food, it’s water, it’s everything, it’s electricity… it’s complete madness,” he comments in front of the camera, visibly exhausted. He adds a phrase that sums up his feelings: “This is not life.”
On social media, users expressed sadness over his testimony. Alex himself replied to several comments, stating that Cuba has become a headache and that living without water is a situation that should not be normalized.
This is not the first time this young man has used social media to showcase what he has to endure. In another recent video, he explained how he has to light charcoal with plastic because he does not have access to electricity or fuel. On that occasion, he was also speaking from a rural area of the country, while showing how he burned his fingers trying to start the fire.
Although the video is not filled with drama nor demands anything, it powerfully conveys the weight of the everyday. The images, captured without professional resources, with a cellphone in hand and an intimate tone, depict a reality that requires no adjectives: a wheelbarrow full of tanks, a car breaking down, a family without water, and a young man who, without heroism or complaint, shares his story simply because that's what he had to do that day.
The lack of regular access to drinking water is one of the most serious issues facing Cubans. In several provinces of the country, water delivery cycles are irregular, pumping equipment is out of service, and the hydraulic infrastructure frequently collapses. More than 500 thousand people on the island are suffering disruptions in their water supply, according to recent data.
In provinces like Havana, the situation has worsened due to the burning of pumping engines caused by electrical instability, as reported in this report on the capital. In other areas like Matanzas, a photo essay published by the official newspaper Girón showcased the desperation of its residents to obtain water, with people carrying jugs or bathing in the street, a scene captured in this visual chronicle.
Meanwhile, stories like that of Alex Daniel continue to come to light from the mobile phones of those who choose to share them. Not as a form of protest, but as a testimony to a reality that often remains excluded from the official narrative.
Frequently asked questions about the water crisis and life in Cuba
What is the situation regarding access to water in Cuba?
Access to water in Cuba is extremely precarious, with irregular delivery cycles and non-functional pumping equipment. Many provinces are facing collapses in their hydraulic infrastructure, affecting more than 500,000 people on the island. Stories like that of Alex Daniel, who had to transport water in a wheelbarrow, illustrate this serious situation.
How does the lack of electricity and fuel affect daily life in Cuba?
The lack of electricity and fuel in Cuba has turned daily life into a constant challenge. Families must resort to alternative methods such as using coal, ignited with plastic, for cooking. This situation, documented by social media users, reflects the improvisation needed to cope with frequent blackouts and the scarcity of fuels.
What role do social media play in portraying Cuban reality?
Social media has become a crucial platform for Cubans to share their testimonies about daily hardships. Videos from users like Alex Daniel and Anita highlight the lack of basic services such as water and electricity, providing a window into daily life that often remains outside the official narrative.
What impact does the energy crisis have on the health and safety of Cubans?
The energy crisis in Cuba has serious consequences for health and safety. The reliance on coal and firewood for cooking, due to the lack of gas and electricity, increases the risk of fires and respiratory issues. Furthermore, the scarcity of drinking water forces many to use unsafe sources, exposing the population to diseases.
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