Waste is an omnipresent element in the urban landscape of Cuba. Citizen complaints about this issue began four decades ago in Havana due to the increase of illegal dumps in the city center, but today it is a problem that affects the entire country.
A fragment from an ICAIC news broadcast from 1980 highlights the complaints of the population regarding this issue in Havana. Neighbors blamed each other, and secondly, they held the CDR or the district delegate accountable. However, the true responsible party for waste collection never came to light.
In the decades following the triumph of the Revolution, the socialist land management eliminated commercial use of the street corners, leaving these spaces as empty points devoid of social interaction, which gradually became filled with debris and waste.
The state's management of waste collection has been deficient for decades, with poorly maintained trucks, a lack of fuel, and outdated equipment perpetuating this crisis.
The situation has reached a point where urban greenery has been disrupted; it has disappeared in many areas, making way for garbage that quietly accumulates in the flowerbeds.
Urban trash heaps in Cuba can become so large that they lead to epidemics. Additionally, there is a notable proliferation of vectors such as rats, cockroaches, and mosquitoes in the communities at any time of day.
Waste has become a structural chaos in Cuban landscapes and is no longer an issue exclusive to the capital, although Havana leads in statistics of unsanitary conditions, with neighborhoods isolated by mountains of refuse in their streets.
This bleak situation is solely due to the responsibility of the State, stemming from decades of poor waste management and neglect in key areas of public health and urban planning.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Garbage Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the garbage problem in Cuba?
The main cause of the waste problem in Cuba is the poor state management of solid waste, which has persisted for decades. Lack of equipment maintenance, fuel shortages, and the inefficiency of the socialist regime have perpetuated this situation, turning the streets into urban landfills.
How does the accumulation of garbage affect public health in Cuba?
The accumulation of garbage in Cuba encourages the proliferation of pests such as rats, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like dengue and leptospirosis. Furthermore, the decline in sanitation has led to outbreaks of infectious diseases and has negatively impacted the quality of life for residents.
What impact does the garbage crisis have on the urban infrastructure of Havana?
The garbage crisis in Havana has led to the deterioration of urban trees and the blockage of drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding and damage to infrastructure. The accumulation of waste has also impacted traffic and the aesthetics of the city, reducing its tourism and housing value.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the waste crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented a strategic plan in which each ministry will sponsor a municipality to improve solid waste collection, although the results have been insufficient. A lack of resources and inefficiencies in the execution of these measures have hindered an effective resolution of the problem.
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