Cira María González, a Cuban mother living in Havana, has publicly reported on social media that she has been dealing with sewage water in the hall of her home for more than a month without receiving any response from the authorities, despite having informed them of her situation repeatedly.
"I've been dealing with this sewage water rot for a month," he said in a video shared on March 22 on his Facebook profile, where he showed the hallway of his home covered in dirty water.
“My daughter and I live here in the old slaughterhouse on Antonio Maceo. I have a mosquito problem here. Many neighbors have been able to resolve it because they have the financial means, but I have no way,” she lamented. The mother emphasized that the issue is known to the local authorities: “Everyone knows about this, and no one is providing a solution.”
"I'm doing this so that when an outbreak occurs, they know they don't have to look far: it's here. It's inhumane that we have to continue living with wastewater for more than a month now. This can't go on." he added.
This Thursday, he reiterated that there has been no progress and directly blamed a government official for the lack of response: “Another day exposed to a disease. I am still in the same inhumane conditions due to the blockage. And without any response. What a lack of respect. Look, I am not lying. Today is already March 26, and there is nothing at all. Once again, the colleague Bárbara from the government has told me another lie. They say they are coming, and nothing.”
The shared images reveal unsanitary conditions, with bricks, wood, and makeshift objects being the only means to navigate the hallway of the house. In the comments on her posts, dozens of people expressed solidarity and concern. “It’s not easy, cousin; you’re just a step away from an epidemic, take care, please,” warned one user. “Cira, the conditions you are living in are terrible. It is dangerous to continue living like this for all of your health,” added another.
This case reflects a recurring reality in different areas of the country. A few days ago, a social media user showed a water leak on Gabriel Street, in San Miguel del Padrón, that has gone unrepaired for decades, despite ongoing neighborhood complaints. In September, a mother in Centro Habana reported living in front of a pool of black water that has caused illnesses in her family, with no authorities taking action.
That same month, in El Vedado, a family had been relocated to a place without sanitary conditions, which resulted in areas of stagnant water and mosquitoes right at the entrance of their home.
More recently, another mother from Diez de Octubre reported that she was evicted with her children from an empty space where she sought refuge due to lack of housing, without receiving assistance from the institutions.
The story of Cira María González adds to a long list of complaints highlighting the deterioration of infrastructure, the lack of maintenance of the sewage system, and the inadequate government response. While the authorities remain inactive, it is the vulnerable families that face the greatest risks to their health and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Wastewater Crisis in Havana
What is the main problem facing Cira María González?
Cira María González is facing a sewage problem in her home in Havana, which she has reported without receiving a response from the authorities. She has been living with wastewater in the hallway of her house for over a month, posing a serious risk to her health and that of her daughter.
Why has the blockage of wastewater in Havana not been resolved?
The lack of response from the government and the ineffectiveness of local authorities in resolving infrastructure issues such as blockages is a recurring problem. The authorities are aware of the cases but have not taken effective measures to address them, which reflects a disregard by the Cuban regime for meeting the basic needs of its citizens.
How does the sewage situation affect public health in Cuba?
The accumulation of wastewater creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases such as dengue and other infections. Unhygienic conditions pose a significant threat to public health, particularly in areas where there is already a proliferation of diseases due to inadequate sanitation.
What examples of solutions have been seen in similar cases in Cuba?
In some cases, such as that of a mother in Centro Habana, the situation of sewage was resolved after the complaint was made public on social media. The intervention of activists and public pressure have prompted the authorities to take action in certain instances, although these solutions are often exceptions rather than the general rule.
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