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The uncertainty surrounding the reintegration of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant into the national electric system (SEN) has sparked a wave of indignation and skepticism among Cubans, who have expressed their frustration on social media regarding the lack of concrete solutions to the blackout issue.
For several days now, the Guiteras, one of the main electricity generators in Cuba, has been out of service, and although the authorities have provided contradictory information about its repair, public discontent continues to grow.
According to official reports, the plant could be reconnected to the electrical system next Friday, but citizens doubt that this will actually happen and instead fear that, even if it does come online, it will go offline again within a few days.
The comments on social media from CiberCuba reflect widespread disillusionment. “Hahahaha if I were the one who had to give the reports, I would look for another job”, commented a user, referring to the constant improvisation in the reports from the Electricity Union (UNE).
Another user quipped: “He might return on Friday, and on Monday he could call in sick again due to a headache, a toothache, maybe he’ll have a fever or diarrhea… and that's how it goes all year long.”
Meanwhile, the situation in the provinces remains critical. Residents in areas such as Granma, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, and Camagüey have reported power outages of up to 20 hours a day.
“We've been without power for 16 straight hours, and we'll see how many more.”, expressed a citizen. Another user added indignantly: “In this country, what is skyrocketing is the lack of respect.”
Dissatisfaction has intensified due to the perception that Havana continues to be favored in the distribution of electricity.
"We have to be shut down so that the capital can have electricity," reported a user, while another sarcastically asked: "Which thermoelectric plant does Havana belong to, or does it have a private one?".
Other users have expressed their despair over the living conditions caused by prolonged blackouts. “It’s too much; 15 hours without power and when it comes back, it’s only for 45 minutes. Food goes bad, and there’s no water to drink or bathe. How much longer does my Cuba have to endure this?”, stated an affected individual.
Many also criticize the use of the country's resources, claiming that the government prioritizes the construction of hotels over investment in electrical infrastructure.
"Instead of building so many hotels, they should have built a modern thermoelectric plant", expressed a user. Another comment reflected the same outrage: "They buy million-dollar planes, but cannot guarantee electricity for the people".
The widespread indignation has led many people to lose hope for a solution: “What needs to come to an end is communism, enough already…”, wrote a user.
The outlook does not seem to improve in the short term. With aging thermoelectric plants and a collapsing electrical system, Cubans continue to face constant blackouts, with the uncertainty of not knowing when or for how long they will have electricity. "The only thing missing here is for the ground to open up and swallow us", expressed an exasperated citizen.
While the blackouts continue, the population feels increasingly exhausted and hopeless. “There is no food, no gas, no electricity… Cuba is the country of misery”, concluded a user, reflecting the sentiment of thousands of Cubans who see no end to the energy crisis.
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