The Cuban government publicly acknowledged its inability to address the issues related to water supply in the country, linking them to the energy crisis, the blockade, and the lack of resources.
Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), informed the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) that between 60% and 70% of the disruptions in water supply are due to difficulties in the national electro-energy system and shortages of fuel to operate the distribution trucks.
In an interview with the National Television News (NTV), Rodríguez stated, "There is no doubt that by 2025, as the national electrical system improves, we will be in much better conditions."
One of the most critical problems is the presence of over 5,000 leaks in Havana, particularly in Old Havana, where the distribution infrastructure is severely deteriorated. Rodríguez pointed out that the lack of cement has hindered the repair of numerous water leaks, worsening the situation.
These statements have been met with skepticism by the population, which has been facing severe issues with access to drinking water for years. The promise of a potential improvement in 2025 has sparked criticism due to the absence of immediate actions and sustainable solutions to alleviate the current crisis.
Cubans have reasons to be wary of these projected improvements for the coming year, especially when in November 2024, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel publicly acknowledged the water supply crisis in Havana during a working session, admitting that "we are still far from resolving this situation."
Investments and government promises
Despite the challenges, the government has announced plans for investment on several occasions to improve water supply.
In March 2022, Inés María Chapman Waugh, then Vice President of the Council of Ministers, presented a plan that included 206 investments, repairs, and activities aimed at eliminating the supply of drinking water through trucks, benefiting over 635,000 residents.
However, the effectiveness of these investments has been questioned, as problems persist in various regions of the country.
In Santiago de Cuba, for instance, the water supply crisis has worsened despite the investments made. In some areas, the supply cycles have extended up to 60 days, severely impacting the population.
Local authorities have justified their inability to resolve the issue by attributing it to constant breakdowns in the supply networks, shortages in water sources, and the energy contingency that restricts the operation of pumping stations.
Importation of pumping equipment
Despite the frequent references to the "U.S. embargo" as one of the main causes of the crisis, the Cuban regime has purchased pumping equipment on international markets, in addition to receiving significant donations such as those from Kuwait to improve hydraulic infrastructure, as well as important loans from Saudi Arabia.
Recently, in 2024, the government acquired pumping equipment directly from Spain, aiming to strengthen the hydraulic infrastructure in several critical regions of the country.
In 2023, it received a million-dollar donation from China to improve supply in several provinces; however, the results were not significant due to issues with installation and maintenance.
Current situation and outlook
According to official data, only 48% of the Cuban population has stable and safe access to water service. The rest relies on methods such as water deliveries by trucks, highlighting the precariousness of the supply system in the 21st century. The eastern region of the country faces the most significant challenges in this regard.
The dependence on electricity for the water supply exacerbates the situation, as pumping systems primarily operate on electrical energy, and few have backup generators.
Power outages delay the restoration of service, especially when the supply sources are located more than 30 km away from population centers.
Meanwhile, the government continues to invest millions in the tourism sector, which has sparked criticism over the prioritization of resources amid a crisis that directly impacts the population.
Despite promises of improvements by 2025, the lack of immediate solutions and the ineffectiveness of investments made to date are creating uncertainty and dissatisfaction among the population, which continues to face frequent outages and temporary fixes that fail to resolve a crisis that seems to be extending indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis in Cuba
Why can't the Cuban government resolve the water crisis?
The Cuban government has acknowledged its inability to resolve the water crisis due to issues related to the energy crisis, resource shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure. The lack of cement and other materials has hindered the repair of leaks, while the energy crisis has restricted the operation of the pumping systems essential for water supply.
What is the current situation of the water supply in Cuba?
Currently, only 48% of the Cuban population has stable access to water. The remainder relies on distribution systems such as truck deliveries, which are impacted by fuel shortages and power outages. In Havana, over 5,000 leaks exacerbate the situation, and the national power grid crisis worsens the supply capacity.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to improve the water supply?
The Cuban government has announced investment plans and has received donations of pumping equipment to improve hydraulic infrastructure; however, these efforts have been insufficient to resolve the crisis. The arrival of new equipment and improvements to the electricity system are expected to help with supply, although so far, the implemented solutions have not been effective.
How does the energy crisis affect water supply in Cuba?
The energy crisis directly impacts the water pumping system in Cuba, as the pumps rely on electricity to operate. Frequent power outages disrupt the water supply, and when electricity is restored, it can take hours for the water flow to return to normal. This situation is particularly critical in regions such as Havana and Santiago de Cuba, where the interruptions are more severe.
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