Amid a display by the Cuban regime of its crusade against corruption and illegalities, authorities in Santiago de Cuba arrested a resident of the Las Américas neighborhood in the Contramaestre municipality for selling dielectric oil stolen from electrical transformers.
The complaint was filed last Friday through the official Facebook profile "Héroes del Moncada," where it was indicated that the detained individual was offering the oil to motorcycle and private vehicle drivers, who used it as a lubricant.
The account affiliated with the regime stated that this act, in addition to being a serious crime, has a direct impact on the electrical service, which is already affected by the delicate energy crisis the country is experiencing.
"The police arrived and their business was over," the post stated, emphasizing that those responsible could face charges of sabotage, in addition to several years in prison for the damage caused.
The regime promoted a campaign to showcase its alleged fight against illegal activities during times of heightened social tension, highlighting such arrests as examples of its actions.
However, these measures also aim to strengthen state control over strategic resources such as the electrical system, the deterioration of which has led to widespread discontent among the population.
The official publication justified the police action, arguing that "the theft of state resources cannot be forgiven, especially when it impacts a vital service like electricity."
Despite the rhetoric, the ongoing failures in the electrical system remain a source of concern and criticism on the island.
Recently, the theft of 300 liters of dielectric oil left the community of Dos Caminos in the San Luis municipality of Santiago de Cuba without electricity.
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the PCC in Santiago de Cuba, reported on Facebook that the incident occurred when the area's transformer experienced a serious malfunction due to the theft of this essential component for its operation.
In November, the government-aligned newspaper Sierra Maestra reported that the theft of dielectric oil, which exacerbates power outages and affects thousands of citizens under extreme conditions, would be dealt with harshly by the regime.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Theft of Dielectric Oil and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
Why is the theft of dielectric oil serious in Cuba?
The theft of dielectric oil is serious because it directly impacts the functioning of electrical transformers, which are essential for the supply of electricity. The removal of this oil causes damage to the transformers, potentially leaving entire communities without power and worsening the already critical energy situation in Cuba.
What consequences does Cuba face from the theft of dielectric oil?
The consequences include prolonged blackouts that impact both the daily lives of citizens and the local economy. Furthermore, this situation has highlighted the deterioration and lack of proper maintenance of the country's electrical system, contributing to social unrest.
How does the Cuban government respond to the theft of dielectric oil?
The Cuban government has promised to severely punish those responsible for the theft of dielectric oil, describing these acts as serious crimes that could be classified as sabotage. However, these punitive responses do not address the structural causes of the energy crisis.
What impact does the theft of dielectric oil have on the Cuban population?
The impact is significant, as many communities are facing prolonged power outages, affecting access to basic services such as drinking water and food refrigeration. This has increased the frustration and discontent of the population towards the government.
What measures has the Electric Company of Cuba taken to counteract the theft of dielectric oil?
The Electric Company has implemented protective and surveillance measures for electrical infrastructure, such as reinforcements to the drainage valves of transformers. However, the lack of resources hinders the quick replacement of equipment damaged by oil theft.
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