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The official Cuban press in Sancti Spíritus reported the presence of an improvised landfill in an area of the city where "communal hygiene is glaringly absent."
The photos from the magazine Escambray reveal the accumulation of waste in areas very close to residential buildings, a scene that is becoming increasingly common throughout the country.
On this occasion, the report highlights what is happening on Carlos Roloff street, at the end, in the Garaita area, right at the corner opposite the 23 de Diciembre secondary school, where "trash has taken over several meters."
The journalist lists multiple causes: social indiscipline, delays in waste collection by the Communal Enterprise, and the absence of a dumping site. All of this has resulted in the creation of a landfill "that has now reached adulthood."
Residents interviewed revealed that waste arrives at the makeshift dump not only from the houses located in the surrounding area but also from those situated in the center of the village.
"This issue is compounded by a drinking water leak that also tarnishes the image of this part of the city," the report specifies.
Years ago, the city of Sancti Spíritus prided itself on being one of the cleanest in Cuba, but for a long time now it has presented a bleak picture, with streets and sidewalks strewn with piles of garbage everywhere.
The crisis affecting community services is evident in the infrequent operation of waste collection trucks, which creates a scenario marked by a lack of hygiene.
The newspaper Escambray already reported the situation in 2022.
Jorge Luis Manes, at that time the deputy director general of the Budgeted Community Services Unit of the territory, admitted that the dirt was prevalent in the streets and waste was overflowing for days in the landfills.
As he explained, there were issues with waste collection due to problems with the completely outdated equipment. "It’s over 10 years old, and we don’t have spare parts," he specified.
Additionally, the entity faced an unfavorable situation with street sweeping due to a shortage of sweepers.
"We have a staff of between 18 and 20 workers, and currently, we have four to six workers sweeping the streets, depending on the areas. For example, in the central zone, which is very significant because it represents the face of the city, we only have six street sweepers," he detailed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Garbage Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of the waste problem in Cuba?
The main cause of the garbage problem in Cuba is the poor state management of solid waste, which has persisted for decades. The lack of equipment maintenance, fuel shortages, and the inefficiency of the socialist regime have perpetuated this situation, turning the streets into urban landfills.
How does the accumulation of waste affect public health in Cuba?
The accumulation of garbage in Cuba fosters the proliferation of vectors such as rats, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, which can transmit diseases like dengue and leptospirosis. Moreover, the deterioration of sanitation has led to outbreaks of infectious diseases and has negatively impacted the quality of life for residents.
What impact does the waste crisis have on the urban infrastructure of Havana?
The garbage crisis in Havana has caused deterioration of urban trees and obstruction of drains, which increases the risk of flooding and damage to infrastructure. The accumulation of waste has also affected transit and the aesthetics of the city, reducing its tourist and residential value.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the waste crisis?
The Cuban government has implemented a strategic plan in which each ministry will sponsor a municipality to improve solid waste collection, although the results have been inadequate. The lack of resources and the inefficiency in executing these measures have hindered effectively solving the problem.
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