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In an event that has sparked outrage and criticism on social media, the roof of the Housing Processing Office in the municipality of Palmira, Cienfuegos, recently collapsed.
Fortunately, the collapse occurred when the building was already empty, so no human casualties were reported.
The report was made by a user on Facebook, who expressed her outrage:
The roof of the Housing office is collapsing. Not just any building, as often happens. It is the roof of the Housing Procedures Office in Palmira, Cienfuegos. Fortunately, the collapse did not cause any human injuries because the building was already empty. Irony? An implosion of a clearly inefficient system? That and more. The island is gradually falling apart, and the system would rather see it submerged in the sea than give up the arrogance and glory that only the elite have enjoyed
An image that says it all
In the image shared on social media, the facade of the Housing Procedures Office in Palmira is seen, with a large section of the roof collapsed. The tiled and concrete structure has given way, leaving a visible hole above the main entrance of the building. The worn paint and the evident deterioration of the structure reinforce the perception of neglect towards the state infrastructure.
The collapse of the structure reflects the deep housing and infrastructure crisis facing the country. According to official data, by the end of 2024, only 65% of the housing in Cuba was in good technical condition, which means that the remaining 35% is in regular or poor condition. This deterioration is due to decades of neglect, lack of planning, and scarcity of construction materials.
The housing deficit is estimated at approximately 800,000 units, primarily affecting provinces such as Havana, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and Camagüey.
The housing construction plans have experienced significant shortcomings. For example, by August 2024, only 39% of the annual housing construction plan had been fulfilled, showing a 64% decrease in house building over the past four years.
In response to this issue, the Cuban government has announced the development of a new Housing Law aimed at addressing these deficiencies. However, the solutions proposed so far, such as the construction of mud houses in certain localities, have been the subject of debate and criticism from the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Collapse of Infrastructure in Cuba
Why did the ceiling of the Housing Office in Cienfuegos collapse?
The collapse of the roof is due to the deterioration of state infrastructure, reflecting the housing crisis and the inefficiency of the Cuban regime in maintaining buildings. Decades of neglect and lack of resources have contributed to the precarious condition of many structures in Cuba.
What is the current housing situation in Cuba?
Only 65% of homes in Cuba are in good technical condition, indicating a severe housing crisis. The remaining 35% of homes are in regular or poor condition, affecting millions of Cubans who live at risk of collapse or in overcrowded conditions.
What measures has the Cuban government proposed to address the housing crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the development of a new Housing Law and the construction of 12,183 homes by 2025. However, the history of unmet promises makes these goals seem optimistic and unrealistic, given the limitations in resources and construction materials.
How does the construction materials crisis affect the housing situation in Cuba?
The shortage of cement and steel, essential for construction, has stalled many housing projects. The deficit of building materials has severely limited the government's ability to meet construction plans, exacerbating the existing housing deficit.
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