Significant destruction is visible in the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM) following Hurricane Rafael's passage on November 6. The economic enclave where the regime had placed its hopes for economic growth has become yet another failure of its plans, displaying a bleak landscape after the storm's passage.
A report by Cuban Television highlighted the impacts of Rafael at the Mariel Container Terminal facilities.
"The damages can be considered significant. Within the recovery program, we will start with the revitalization of the block yard to allow for the activation of the Terminal as soon as possible and to commence the delivery of container goods through the gate," said José Leonardo Sosa Barrios, the Terminal's deputy director.
The government has also assessed the damage to roofs that have been lifted, containers swept away by the rains and winds, as well as flooded factories.
With a significant investment in the area and being one of the few businesses established in the ZEDM, the Vietnamese group Thai Binh has experienced the greatest impact from the damages. Two facilities under its management—the Guajaibón Photovoltaic Solar Park and the Suchel tbv Detergent Factory—have been among the hardest hit.
"The diaper factory, located across from the detergent factory, shows similar damage. We are putting in all our effort to complete the recovery within 14 days," stated Tu Tranh, president of the Thai Binh Group.
A Vietnamese worker mentioned that "the hurricane took away part of the raw materials warehouse and the finished products warehouse, as well as the roofs of the towers."
For 26 years, Thai Binh Global Trading Corp. has been operating in Cuba, being one of the first to export products to Latin America in sectors such as apparel, footwear, consumer goods, food, and construction materials.
Another factory that was severely affected was Brascuba. According to its co-president, Robinson Tamayo González, "almost 40% of the roof was lifted, which caused the machines to get wet."
The rains and winds also affected the boiler chimney; however, the executive noted that the warehouse did not sustain any damage, so production is running smoothly.
"All the finished product from previous days is in perfect condition, as the warehouse sustained no damage. We have tough days ahead of us, evaluating the damage, recovering, and working on the mechanical and electronic aspects of the machines, but we will rise up," he assured.
The ZEDM is managed by the Council of Ministers, which oversees its activities and develops and implements its Development and Business Program. The initial projections for the enclave have not been met by the regime, due to the demands and requirements imposed for the entry of new businesses.
Its area is located in the northern part of the Artemisa province, which was the most affected by Hurricane Rafael.
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