Residents of Old Havana have reported through various channels the serious risk they face due to the imminent possibility of a collapse in the building located at 831 Compostela Street, between Leonor Pérez and Merced.
According to local residents, the structure of the building has been gradually deteriorating since its partial collapse in 2008, and the lack of intervention by the authorities has made the situation increasingly unsustainable.
One of the neighbors explained to CiberCuba that not only is there a risk of the building collapsing onto the street, potentially causing casualties among passersby, but the precariousness of the structure also threatens to fall onto the neighboring buildings. The sent images show large chunks of stone that have fallen onto the street.
"The situation is critical; it is not only an imminent risk for those passing by, but also for those of us living nearby. It is only a matter of time before this tragedy becomes a reality," explained the resident, who noted that the lack of responses from the authorities has left the neighbors feeling helpless.
The building in question, which has been uninhabited for over 40 years, has been the subject of numerous complaints without any action being taken to demolish it or reinforce its structure.
The neighbors claim that they have exhausted all possible means to alert the authorities about the danger, but so far they have not received any response. Posts on social media and contacts with independent press have highlighted the case, but the demolition of the structure has not yet materialized.
"We are desperate. The situation can no longer wait. If action is not taken, the tragedy will become even greater. We have reported it time and again, and the government has done nothing. We have no hope left; we just want at least for what is happening here to be known," a neighbor remarked in her statements to CiberCuba.
He also shared with us the photos that show the precarious condition of the property and the debris scattered on the street.
The case of this building is just one of many examples of housing deterioration in the Cuban capital.
In recent days, the situation has worsened due to the effects of Hurricane Rafael, which has caused a number of partial and total collapses in various areas of Havana.
According to a preliminary report from local authorities, at least 461 collapses have been recorded so far. While no fatalities have been reported, the vulnerability of many structures increases over time and with natural disasters.
"We don't want it to be said that no one spoke up, that no one reported anything when the tragedy occurs. We are already in danger, and all we ask is for someone to listen to us," warned one of those affected.
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