The Floating Seafront Promenade, an iconic project inaugurated in November 2015 for the 495th anniversary of Havana, is in a state of critical neglect, with broken planks, graffiti, and inaccessible areas that pose a danger to visitors.
A recent video published by CiberCuba highlights the significant deterioration of this structure located in Havana Bay, near the Alameda de Paula.
The images reveal a landscape of incomplete ramps, vandalism, and a lack of repairs since its opening.
Although initially designed as a recreational and tourist space, issues with the Paseo began to emerge just a year after its inauguration.
By 2016, it already showed significant damage, documented through images and reports.
In 2019, architect Orlando Inclán, one of its creators, acknowledged in statements to Tribuna de La Habana the quality deficiencies in some materials used during its construction, particularly in the first batch of installed planks.
"Many initial planks were replaced because they did not meet the required quality," Inclán explained, also noting the lack of an adequate maintenance plan for the project.
The expert emphasized that, despite the deterioration, it was possible to reverse the damage with timely maintenance, especially on stainless steel railings affected by corrosion.
However, the assessments carried out every three to four years on other heritage sites have not been applied to the Paseo Marítimo, leaving the area at the mercy of time and usage.
The structure, built with particleboard and resin, evoked the T-shaped jetty that existed in that location over two centuries ago.
Its floating design even allowed for its relocation to other maritime locations, but neglect has buried the potential of this creation in what was once an innovative recreational space in the Cuban capital.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Deterioration of the Floating Seafront in Havana
What was the original purpose of the Floating Seafront of Havana?
The Floating Seafront was inaugurated in 2015 to commemorate the 495th anniversary of Havana, aiming to serve as a recreational and tourist space. It was presented as an innovative structure, reminiscent of the T-shaped pier that existed over two centuries ago in the same location.
What problems has the Paseo Marítimo faced since its inauguration?
Since a year after its inauguration, the boardwalk began to show significant damage to its structure, such as broken planks and vandalism. The absence of a proper maintenance plan has worsened its condition, leaving it in an advanced state of disrepair, which poses a danger to visitors.
What factors have contributed to the deterioration of the waterfront promenade?
The deterioration of the promenade has been caused by the use of low-quality materials and a lack of maintenance. Orlando Inclán, one of its architects, acknowledged that many of the initial planks did not meet the required quality, and the absence of a maintenance plan has left the structure at the mercy of time and usage.
Why have no repairs been carried out on the promenade?
The regular inspections and repairs that are carried out on other heritage sites in Havana have not been applied to the Paseo Marítimo. There is no regular maintenance plan for this structure, which has led to its current state of neglect.
What could be done to improve the condition of the promenade?
To improve the condition of the Floating Boardwalk, it would be necessary to implement a regular maintenance plan that includes the repair of damaged planks and corroded railings, as well as measures to prevent vandalism. Timely maintenance could reverse the damage and restore the tourist and recreational potential of this space.
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