Alarm among Cubans over the critical state of Havana's water treatment plant

"The water that comes to our homes is not safe, and this is not a recent issue," consumers asserted.

Water Treatment Plant in HavanaPhoto © Portal del Ciudadano Havana

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Concerns among the residents of Havana have been rising due to the critical condition of the main water treatment plant that supplies the capital.

According to reports from citizens, the conditions are appalling in a place where hygiene and health should be a priority.

An image reposted on Facebook by the Cuban citizen Dody Paz shows the water treatment plant in a state of evident disrepair.

Facebook Capture/Dody Paz

In the center, blue pipes can be seen connected to a structure partially submerged in a tank, the interior of which shows signs of corrosion and rust accumulation. Meanwhile, the surroundings show signs of dampness and wear.

The scene highlights the precarious conditions under which the collection or processing of water designated for consumption in Havana takes place, aligning with the description published by Paz: "This is where the water you drink in Havana comes from."

In response to the dissemination of this complaint, the state-owned company Aguas de La Habana issued a statement in which it described these publications as "false and malicious, aimed at creating panic and discomfort among the population".

According to the company, the water that reaches the Palatino tanks comes from two main sources: the Vento aqueduct and the Cuenca Sur supply source.

The note from Aguas de La Habana states that the water is chlorinated at both sources of the route and is subsequently re-chlorinated upon exiting the tanks toward the five municipalities serviced by the central system.

They also explained that there are measurement points where the quality of the water is verified to ensure it is suitable for human consumption, with supervision from both the company and Public Health.

Facebook Capture/Aguas de La Habana

In response to the official statements, Dody Paz issued a new message on his social media, reaffirming the truth of his post and fiercely criticizing the state-owned company.

"After we shared an image showing the deplorable state of the facilities at the water treatment plant in Havana, which has garnered more than 3200 comments, Aguas de La Habana published a screenshot of our post claiming that the image is false, even though it was taken from their own material,” he noted.

Furthermore, the complainant added that “later they deleted it, but they have the cowardice not to accept a live invitation to refute that the image is false, acknowledged by several internet users, and to show the malicious intent of the image. When the dictatorship is cornered, it has no choice but to resort to aggression... I await you, Aguas de La Habana, if you have the courage”.

Facebook capture/Dody Paz

Despite official statements, many citizens continue to express distrust towards the conditions of the water treatment plant and the management of Aguas de La Habana.

"The water that reaches our homes is not safe, and this is not a recent problem", they stated in the comments.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis in Havana

What is the current status of the water treatment plant in Havana?

The water treatment plant in Havana is in a critical state of deterioration. The shared images show corroded pipes and a precarious working environment, which has raised significant concern among the residents of the Cuban capital.

What has Aguas de La Habana said regarding the complaints about poor water quality?

Aguas de La Habana has labeled the complaints regarding the poor quality of its facilities and water as "false and malicious." The company asserts that the water is chlorinated and monitored to ensure its suitability for human consumption, despite criticism and skepticism from the public.

What problems do residents of Havana face due to the water crisis?

The water crisis in Havana severely affects the quality of life of its citizens. Residents face difficulties in carrying out basic tasks such as cooking, doing laundry, and personal hygiene, and the lack of drinking water is causing health and logistical problems.

What other complaints have arisen in relation to Aguas de La Habana?

In addition to the poor water quality, Aguas de La Habana has been accused of wasting water while the capital suffers from shortages. Videos on social media show leaks and unaddressed pipe failures, reflecting the inefficiency and negligence of the state-run company.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.