More than 450,000 residents of the province of Artemisa have gone over three months without receiving salt through the basic food ration, local authorities reported on the National Television News (NTV).
The scarcity of this essential product adds to the supply crisis hitting the island, affecting the distribution of other basic goods such as rice, sugar, and peas.
The coordinator of the Basic Basket Distribution Program in Artemisa, Joan Molina Blanco, explained that the province is still waiting for the arrival of 50 tons of products to complete the distribution for February. However, he confirmed that the delivery of salt has not been able to take place this year, and there is no specific date for its resumption.
"The salt has indeed been kept from entering during the first quarter. We are waiting to be able to distribute it," Molina Blanco assured during the broadcast.
A recurring problem in Cuba
The salt shortage is not an isolated phenomenon on the island. In June of last year, Cubans were already facing difficulties in obtaining this seasoning due to transportation and production issues.
In Havana, for example, the supply was interrupted for months, which generated discontent among the population and forced many to turn to the informal market to acquire it at elevated prices.
More recently, the salt crisis in the Cuban capital became even more alarming following the news of a family's poisoning after using "saltpeter" in cooking. This chemical product, used in the meat industry as a substitute for table salt, is potentially hazardous.
Other damages in Artemisa
During the informational meeting in Artemisa, the water scarcity in the most vulnerable communities was also addressed, along with efforts to ensure access to this resource. Additionally, the difficulties stemming from the national energy crisis were mentioned, although it was emphasized that the local government is working to mitigate its effects on the population.
On the other hand, Molina Blanco confirmed that sugar corresponding to the months of January and February has indeed been distributed, and that supplies for March have already started to arrive. It is also anticipated that peas will be delivered at a rate of 10 ounces per person for three consecutive months as part of the adjustments to the basic food basket.
Despite these measures, uncertainty persists among the people of Artemisa, who continue to await a solution to the shortage of salt and other essential products. Meanwhile, the supply crisis remains one of the main concerns throughout Cuba, reflecting the worsening economic and social situation on the island.
Why is there no salt on the island of Cuba?
The lack of salt production and distribution in Cuba, despite being an island with access to abundant sources of saltwater, is due to a combination of structural, economic, and administrative factors. Some of the main reasons include:
1. Deterioration of industrial infrastructure
Cuba has several natural salt flats and salt processing plants, such as those in Las Tunas, Guantánamo, Camagüey, Ciego de Ávila, and Matanzas. However, many of these facilities have suffered significant deterioration due to a lack of maintenance, investment, and modernization. Obsolete machinery and a shortage of spare parts have limited the capacity for salt production and processing.
2. Energy crisis and fuel shortage
The extraction and processing of salt require electricity and fuel to operate the pumping, evaporation, and transportation equipment. The energy crisis affecting the country has caused interruptions in production, delays in distribution, and increased transportation costs. Many times, even when salt is available in the production warehouses, it does not reach the provinces due to a lack of transportation.
3. Centralization and inefficient bureaucracy
The state monopoly on the production and distribution of basic goods, including salt, has led to inefficient management. Delayed administrative decisions, a lack of logistical planning, and poor resource management have resulted in shortages, even for products that Cuba can easily produce.
4. Lack of supplies and technology
To process salt properly, chemicals are needed for purification, specialized machinery, and suitable packaging. The lack of access to these supplies has diminished the quality and quantity of production. The Cuban salt industry relies heavily on imports for modernization, which has become increasingly difficult amid the current economic crisis.
5. Government priorities and exportation
At times, Cuba has prioritized the export of industrial salt for use in other countries, placing domestic consumption on the back burner. Resources have also been redirected to other areas deemed of higher priority, leaving the salt industry in a state of neglect.
6. Corruption and the black market
As with many other products in Cuba, salt has also been diverted to the black market for sale at higher prices. This exacerbates the shortage in stores and increases the frustration of the population.
Conclusion
Cuba, despite its natural access to salt sources, suffers from a crisis in production and distribution due to structural, administrative, and economic issues. The lack of investment in infrastructure, the energy crisis, inefficient bureaucracy, and the diversion of resources have turned a basic resource into a scarce item for the population.
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