The police in the municipality of Jovellanos, in Matanzas, discovered that stolen products from the photovoltaic park, which is still under construction, were being sold in the local market.
Major Yadira Prieto Vega, head of instruction at MININT, explained that the specialists from the park identified the stolen screws that the private operators were selling illegally, as these are parts that are not available through any other means.
"They are being used in the assembly, both of the tables and in the installation of the solar panels directly," he detailed in the television news.
The police investigation has still not been able to determine who stole the screws from the construction site and how they made it to the market. So far, only a certain amount has been recovered.
"The sale at illegal points of sale has stopped 'to a certain extent'; there are still many others that need to be located. They have to operate according to the requirements for self-employed workers, but not necessarily those from the black market," the official pointed out.
For his part, the chief prosecutor of the criminal processes department of the Attorney General's Office in Matanzas, Ilíac Castellanos, revealed that those involved could be charged with the crime of sabotage—which carries more severe penalties—since the events are related to the national electrical system.
It is necessary for the photovoltaic park to be operational in the first months of this year.
To comply with the execution schedule, the Electric Union replaced the stolen items.
In December, the theft of solar panels providing power to the water pumping systems in rural communities of Las Tunas, where access to water is limited, came to light.
In less than six months, eight incidents were reported that left several areas without service and complicated the replacement of equipment.
According to the Provincial Water and Sewer Company, the municipalities of Puerto Padre, Colombia, Jobabo, and Majibacoa were the most affected. In some cases, entire communities had to revert to traditional methods to access water.
Despite efforts to enhance security, such as cooperation agreements with neighbors and local guards, thefts remain unresolved and the stolen goods have not been recovered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theft and the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is known about the theft of components from the solar park in Matanzas?
The theft of components from the photovoltaic park in Matanzas, specifically screws used in the installation of solar panels, has been detected by the local police. Although some items have been recovered, the investigation has not yet identified those responsible or how these items ended up on the black market. The individuals involved could face charges of sabotage, given that these thefts impact the national electro-energy system.
How is the Cuban energy system affected by the theft of electrical components?
The theft of electrical components, such as screws from the photovoltaic park or dielectric oil from transformers, exacerbates the already critical energy situation in Cuba. These criminal acts disrupt the generation and distribution of electricity, leading to prolonged blackouts and significant damage to the country's energy infrastructure.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to combat the theft of energy components?
The Cuban government has promised to severely punish those responsible for the theft of energy components. However, these punitive measures do not address the underlying causes of the energy crisis, such as the inefficiency and deterioration of the electrical system, which remains vulnerable to these crimes.
What is the impact of the energy crisis on Cuban communities?
The energy crisis in Cuba has a significant impact on communities, as prolonged blackouts disrupt access to basic services such as drinking water and food refrigeration. More than 600,000 Cubans currently lack access to drinking water, worsening living conditions and generating increasing discontent towards the government.
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