Related videos:
Abandonment and neglect continue to consume the architectural heritage of Santiago de Cuba. The former Hotel Venus, located on the central San Félix street, between Heredia and Aguilera, has turned into a hub of unsanitary conditions and ruins.
The independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada warned about the critical condition of the building, which is now an open-air dump and a breeding ground for rodents in the heart of the city.
"This is a breeding ground for rodents and other vectors in the heart of Santiago de Cuba. What would happen if a tourist gets infected or if an epidemic breaks out in the neighborhood?" questioned a complainant in a message to Mayeta.
The building once had plans for its restoration, but they did not materialize due to a lack of investment. The building was abandoned by the local authorities, despite its proximity to the iconic Hotel Casa Granda, which is currently managed by the Blue Diamond Resorts chain.
The unsanitary situation at the old Hotel Venus is known by "the Government, the PCC, Public Health, and even the Police, due to the number of vagrants that spend the night at this establishment. We, the hotel workers and the nearby residents, are at a loss about what to do."
The images circulating on social media show a dilapidated building, with heaps of garbage and walls on the verge of collapse, further reflecting the neglect that Santiago de Cuba and the rest of the country are enduring.
The people of Santiago did not hide their outrage; they reacted to Mayeta's post with supportive messages for her complaint.
“It hurts to see the ruins our country has become; it was a magnificent building. What’s sad is that the ruins grow greater each day,” lamented a citizen.
"We are about to collapse as well... They could make Venus habitable and thus solve the housing problem," another person said.
The decline of the Hotel Venus in Santiago de Cuba is just one example of the degradation of the urban landscape in the country.
The lack of maintenance and government indifference have led to the disappearance of important public spaces and historical buildings, while the people remain mired in a housing crisis with no solutions in sight.
The authorities, led in Santiago de Cuba by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia and Manuel Falcón Hernández, are responsible for revitalizing these spaces and allocating them to those who need them most.
However, the reality is different. Ruins and abandonment are the fate of most properties that once belonged to the city's splendor.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urban and Social Deterioration in Santiago de Cuba
What is the current situation of the old Hotel Venus in Santiago de Cuba?
The old Hotel Venus in Santiago de Cuba is in ruins and has turned into a dump. The lack of maintenance and government indifference have turned the building into a center of unhealthiness, with piles of garbage and a nest of rodents right in the heart of the city.
What consequences could the unsanitary conditions at the Hotel Venus have?
The unsanitary conditions of Hotel Venus could trigger an epidemic in the neighborhood. The accumulation of garbage and the presence of rodents and other vectors pose a significant risk to public health, especially if any tourist contracts an illness.
How has the local community reacted to the abandonment of these spaces?
The local community has expressed outrage and frustration over the deterioration of the Hotel Venus and other spaces in Santiago de Cuba. Residents and nearby workers are unsure what measures to take in light of the lack of action from the authorities.
What does the condition of Hotel Venus reflect about the situation in Santiago de Cuba?
The condition of Hotel Venus reflects the gradual neglect and urban decay in Santiago de Cuba. The lack of investment and governmental indifference are evident in the disappearance of important public spaces and historic buildings, leaving the community in a housing crisis without effective solutions.
What role do local authorities play in managing this situation?
The local authorities, led by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia and Manuel Falcón Hernández, are responsible for reclaiming these spaces and allocating them to those in greatest need; however, the reality shows that most of the properties are destined for abandonment.
Filed under:
