A young Cuban mother, identified on TikTok as @anita.cubanita64, has once again made an impact on social media with a video showing the accumulation of garbage in a corner of her neighborhood in Matanzas, a situation that has remained unresolved for years and, as she reports, causes infestations of flies and mosquitoes in nearby homes.
"This has been here... I can't explain it to you. Those plants were cut down 68 years ago, and the branches are still lying there on the sidewalk because no one has ever come to pick them up," Anita comments in the video while filming the surroundings of her house.
The video, which went viral within a few hours and has already amassed over 48,000 "likes" and hundreds of comments, documents Anita's daily routine as she copes with the lack of water, the dirt in her surroundings, and the unsanitary conditions. It also highlights that while some homes have no water supply, water from a broken pipe is being wasted on the streets without any intervention from the authorities.
Despite the circumstances, the young woman tries to maintain an optimistic tone: “I really love this neighborhood; it's quite peaceful,” she says while showing how her neighbor has started planting garlic and chili peppers “because they are pretty expensive in the market.”
Reactions to the video have been varied. One user commented that "the garbage situation is a result of the recklessness of those who live around there." Another person wondered why the community doesn't organize to clean up, suggesting that, in the absence of action from the government, it would be wise for neighbors to come together for their own health.
There were also those who expressed concern for Anita's safety for sharing this type of content on social media from Cuba. Others, from countries like Venezuela, Honduras, Mexico, or Panama, shared that they live in similar situations, comparing the accumulation of garbage and the cuts in water and electricity to what they experience in their communities.
Some criticisms focused on the decision to become a mother amid such precarious circumstances, while others expressed solidarity, praising her strength and love for her child.
A constant and courageous testimony from Cuba
It is not the first time that Anita has generated attention on social media for her complaints. Recently, she recounted how she spent the night without electricity, with her son covered in mosquito bites due to the heat and lack of power. She has also shown outages lasting over 48 hours and how she has to cook with charcoal or her food spoils because she cannot refrigerate it.
Your account has become a daily survival journal in Cuba, combining reports, resilience, and solidarity, like when you shared videos preparing food for elderly people on the street.
Waste: a chronic problem on the island
Anita's complaint adds to a long list of reports regarding the deterioration of the waste collection system in Cuba. The state media reported in February the existence of an improvised landfill in Sancti Spíritus that “has already reached adulthood” due to the inaction of local authorities. In that case, waste was accumulating even near a high school, and the poor condition of the system was attributed to a lack of collection trucks, personnel, and technical resources.
Furthermore, another Cuban resident in the United States was shocked after visiting Ciego de Ávila after seven years, describing the scene as “an enormous mess,” with streets filled with trash and weeds, and lacking street lighting.
No solution in sight
While the authorities justify the situation with a lack of resources, the accumulation of trash continues to be a source of disease, pests, and hopelessness in many communities. The population, caught between resignation and frustration, seeks small-scale solutions, such as community self-management or even waste burning, despite the risks involved.
Anita's voice, as a mother and chronicler of everyday life, clearly summarises the urban neglect experienced in many areas of the country: “This is the sad life in Cuba.”
Frequently asked questions about the health hazards and crisis in Cuba
How does the accumulation of garbage in Matanzas affect the residents?
The accumulation of garbage in Matanzas has been unresolved for years and causes infestations of flies and mosquitoes in nearby homes, affecting the health and quality of life of residents. This situation reflects the deterioration of the waste collection system in Cuba, exacerbated by a lack of resources and action from the authorities.
What actions have residents taken in the absence of state intervention?
In light of the state's inaction, some residents are suggesting to come together as a community to clean and address sanitation issues. Although the authorities justify the situation by citing a lack of resources, the population is seeking alternative solutions such as community self-management.
What risks does @anita.cubanita64 face by denouncing the situation in Cuba?
@anita.cubanita64, by denouncing the living conditions and the management of the government in Cuba, she exposes herself to possible reprisals from the Cuban regime, given the critical nature of her content on social media. While she demonstrates courage by bringing visibility to the issues, she also faces concerns for her personal safety.
How does @anita.cubanita64 contribute to helping her community despite the difficulties?
Despite the adversities, @anita.cubanita64 has taken supportive actions such as distributing food to homeless elderly people in Matanzas. Her gestures reflect solidarity and a commitment to helping the most vulnerable within her community, often with the support of her social media followers.
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