In the depths of Havana, in less urbanized areas like Bajo de Santa Ana, communities known as “llega y pon” emerge, reflecting a desperate struggle to find shelter amidst precarious conditions.
These homes, hastily constructed by internal migrants arriving in the capital in search of a better future, highlight the lack of planning and resources in an environment that lacks even the most basic necessities for a dignified life.
In the videos shared by the TikTok profile @cuba.live2, the neighborhood is described as a swampy area where houses appear "overnight."
In Bajo de Santa Ana, precarious structures made of wood, zinc, and salvaged materials rise in a chaotic labyrinth, lacking sewage systems and access to basic services like gas or clean water.
People cook with charcoal that they produce themselves, and the muddy terrain is a constant threat, especially in the face of weather events like cyclones.
Characteristics of a "come and go" neighborhood
El Bajo de Santa Ana is characterized by the informality of its constructions and the adverse conditions in which its inhabitants must live: the houses are made of makeshift materials and, in many cases, the bathrooms are barely improvised spaces without connection to sanitary networks.
The simple, open kitchens are equipped with coal stoves that the families produce for their own consumption and, occasionally, to sell to their neighbors.
The natural environment, characterized by degraded mangroves and swampy land, is also a part of this community.
Residents face the constant threat of flooding, with stagnant water surrounding their homes.
Despite the adversities, the residents try to keep their spaces clean and organized, reflecting a daily struggle to survive in a place forgotten by the authorities.
A reflection of the struggle for survival
In this neighborhood, there is no gas or basic services, so the residents turn to making charcoal for cooking.
According to Erick Bárbaro Leal Bridón, a local resident, charcoal production is a process that requires wood and land, with the use of mangroves being prohibited. However, this activity has become essential for the survival of these communities.
As "arrivals and placements" proliferate in places like Bajo de Santa Ana, the lack of opportunities and housing solutions for those migrating within the country in search of a better life becomes evident.
These makeshift communities reflect the structural inequalities of Cuba, where thousands must seek refuge amid mud and hardship, building their homes with the little they have at hand.
One of the major issues faced by these "arrive and set up" settlements is that the regime, instead of providing habitable conditions, conducts mass evictions.
In 2020, the authorities in Havana attempted to evict the residents of an illegal settlement built in the municipality of Cotorro, disregarding the risks involved in leaving people homeless during the coronavirus pandemic that was impacting the country at that time.
A report published on the YouTube account of the user identified as Delibera showcased the location where over 1,000 citizens lived, who, through their own efforts, built a community where the yard of the Antillana de Acero plant once stood.
A similar situation occurred in 2021 when Cuban authorities evicted an illegal settlement of more than 50 houses built in the town of Jamaica, located in the San José municipality of Mayabeque.
All those actions by the regime were part of a campaign against illegal constructions in Cuba, commonly known as "llega y pon," directed by the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions About the "Llega y Pon" Neighborhoods in Havana
What are the "llega y pon" neighborhoods in Havana?
The "llega y pon" neighborhoods are informal settlements built by internal migrants in Cuba who seek a home in the capital due to the lack of housing options. These communities lack planning and basic services, and the houses are constructed improvised with precarious materials such as wood and zinc.
How do people live in the "arrive and set up" neighborhoods?
People in these neighborhoods face challenging conditions, living in houses made from recycled materials and lacking access to basic services like drinking water and sewage systems. Residents often cook using charcoal that they produce themselves and live in a difficult natural environment, such as swampy lands, which increases the risk of flooding.
What actions is the Cuban government taking regarding the "llega y pon" neighborhoods?
Instead of providing housing solutions, the Cuban government has conducted mass evictions in these settlements. These actions, driven by the regime, have left many people without homes, reflecting a disregard for the basic needs of the population.
What challenges do residents of the "llega y pon" neighborhoods face during weather phenomena?
Residents of neighborhoods like Bajo de Santa Ana face significant risks during weather events due to their location on swampy land and the lack of adequate infrastructure. Flooding is a constant threat, exacerbated by the absence of drainage and protection systems.
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