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The streets of Havana are littered with heaps of garbage that hinder traffic, force pedestrians to walk on waste, and turn the city into a breeding ground for diseases.
The most recent report was made by Facebook user Dora Ester Arce Valentín, who posted a video showcasing the harsh reality of the Cuban capital.
"How much longer do we have to put up with these disease hotspots! If the municipal government can't handle it, they should call Public Health or the Armed Forces. Someone needs to take responsibility for solving this!" demanded Arce Valentín, reflecting the frustration of many Cubans living amid piles of accumulated garbage.
Waste not only invades sidewalks and streets but also reaches the doorsteps of homes, creating unsanitary conditions that endanger citizens. Cars struggle to navigate, and in some cases, must be redirected due to the inability to cross streets blocked by garbage.
This problem is not new; it has been gradually increasing for decades. The government claims that it is working on projects with various international organizations, but none have come to fruition.
In November 2024, the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel was criticized after posting a photo on his social media that depicted an idyllic image of Havana on its 505th anniversary, overlooking the visible deterioration in the city.
"Congratulations, beautiful Havana. For you, to see the wounds left by the hurricane healed and those opened by relentless time, we will work tirelessly, every day," he wrote, provoking a wave of criticism from citizens who accused him of being out of touch with reality.
"'Beautiful Havana?'... Are you being shameless? Today we have a Havana full of rubble, crumbling buildings, water leaks, sewage flowing through its streets, and foul garbage dumps on its avenues... Is that what you call beauty?" responded a user.
A few days later, Esteban Lazo Hernández, president of the National Assembly of People's Power, urged the people of Havana to take personal responsibility for cleaning the streets in their neighborhoods and around workplaces, rather than critically addressing the poor management of public services.
Meanwhile, Havana remains engulfed in garbage, with its streets turned into open-air dumps and its residents struggling to survive amid dirt and neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Garbage Crisis in Havana
Why is there so much garbage piling up on the streets of Havana?
The accumulation of garbage in Havana is due to the ineffective waste management by the Cuban government, lack of adequate infrastructure, and insufficient resources for urban maintenance. Although the government claims to be working on projects with international organizations, these have not materialized, worsening the situation.
How does garbage affect the quality of life in Havana?
The accumulated garbage in the streets of Havana seriously affects the quality of life of its inhabitants, creating hotspots for diseases by facilitating the proliferation of rats and mosquitoes. Additionally, it hampers the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, generating unsanitary conditions in the city.
What is the Cuban government doing to address the issue of trash?
The Cuban government has tried to mobilize state workers and the population to clean the streets, but these measures have not been effective in the long term. Projects with foreign investors have been mentioned, but sustainable solutions for waste management in the capital have yet to be realized.
What impact does the accumulation of trash have on the image of Havana?
The image of Havana is seriously affected by the accumulation of trash, as the city has become a symbol of decay and neglect. This contrasts with the government's attempts to project an idyllic image of the capital, which has drawn criticism from the public.
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