The Minister of Transport of Cuba, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, acknowledged that the country's road recovery program is facing serious difficulties and that, despite efforts, the deterioration of the national road network has not been halted.
During the recent accountability session to the National Assembly, the head of the portfolio pointed out that the lack of organization in the management of the budget in national currency, the insufficiency of convertible currencies for the acquisition of equipment, the instability in the allocation and availability of fuel, and the problems with the supply of materials are the main causes of the delays in the road recovery program.
According to the report presented, by the end of the first semester, progress was slow and the deterioration of the roads had not been contained.
It mentions among the causes of the deficiencies the low production of Asphalt Concrete, due to the fact that out of 25 production plants, 12 are shut down due to breakdowns. The execution of the hot asphalt mix plan is at 10.04% and the cold mix is at 14.32%, he specified.
He also acknowledged that the asphalt mix plans for airports, highways, and roads are far below the scheduled execution. In particular, the Moa-Baracoa road has not shown any progress, Rodríguez Dávila said.
Regarding the repairs on the roads and the elimination of potholes, it was stated that only 22.3% of the planned pothole repairs have been executed, and 14.2% of the placement of hot asphalt mix; while light and major repairs of bridges also show significant delays.
To top it off, the minister stated that regarding the embankment repairs to facilitate agriculture, the plan for 2024 is 1,511.70 km, with only 538.10 km completed, and the execution is only at 35%.
The state inefficiency in the management and maintenance of the roads has contributed to an increase in accidents due to their poor condition, the Cuban authorities themselves have acknowledged.
The poor condition of the roadways has been a determining factor in several traffic accidents, putting the lives of drivers and pedestrians at risk: Last year, several motorcyclists died after falling into potholes in Havana, and just a few weeks ago, a truck from a cooperative overturned after falling into a hole in the road in Banes, Holguín, to mention just a few examples.
The lack of resources and the disorganization in the execution of maintenance plans reflect poor management by the government.
According to the minister, proposals are being analyzed to improve the financial and material support of the program at the central government level, and projects are being promoted with the Marta Abreu University of Villa Clara and the University of Matanzas for the use of alternative materials and solutions.
It also explained that proposals are being developed for the creation of this fund and the expansion of toll charges in tourist areas and airports.
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