The streets of Havana turn into rivers when it rains. Clogged drains, floating waste, and sewage flooding homes are a daily occurrence, while residents report irregular garbage collection services and poorly done work on the streets and plumbing systems.
“Why do sewers collapse? Simple, due to the poor condition of the network and the lack of sanitation. Often, the accumulation of garbage on the streets blocks the drains, the first point in drainage, which contributes to flooding,” acknowledged the official portal Cubadebate in an extensive report published this Sunday.
The condition of the sewage system in the Cuban capital "poses a risk to the lives of its inhabitants. It doesn't receive the necessary attention and is also inadequate," stated one of the citizens who provided testimony.
In February, 13-year-old Jonathan Oliva died after being sucked into an open drainage during a severe flood in Havana, following heavy rains over several days. The tragic incident took place at the intersection of Vía Blanca and Diez de Octubre, one of the areas most affected by the rainfall in the capital.
An obsolete and saturated system
With 1,755 kilometers, the sewer system in Havana was built in the early 20th century (1905-1915) for about 600,000 inhabitants. Currently, the population of the capital is around two million people.
In the municipalities of Centro Habana, La Habana Vieja, Diez de Octubre, Cerro, and Plaza de la Revolución, "the sewage system of Havana is concentrated, covering 69% of the population. The rest of the city only has small systems. Many do not meet the required technical specifications. Some are built even by the residents themselves, and there are others that are insufficient for the demand," stated Andrea Miranda, director of Sanitation and Electromechanics at Aguas de La Habana.
He added that in San Miguel del Padrón there are places with pits, "but many do not meet the technical requirements (...). Arroyo Naranjo is also an affected municipality. In the case of La Lisa, Playa, and Marianao, they mainly rely on septic tanks. Due to years of use, many have lost their effectiveness and are sites of constant discharges, where we would like to build sewer networks."
Authorities acknowledge shortcomings
Miranda referred to "the social indiscipline that influences the repeated obstructions in the sewage systems," although he also mentioned "insufficiencies in investments or maintenance."
The official acknowledged that there are also "incidents" within the brigades and with the technological and technical aspects, which are responsible for the poor completion of the projects.
An emblematic case is the so-called corner buildings of Tejas, in the Cerro municipality, which are now practically a garbage dump. “This has been fixed many times, and after 20 days, the water rises up to the bottom again. It’s the most unpleasant thing there is. The blame lies on both sides, both the Communal services and the neighbors, because they are very dirty. They throw things away, and that causes the clogging,” stated Fernando Lobato, a local resident.
Other issues arise from a lack of maintenance due to funding problems and equipment, obsolete tools, and the absence of spare parts.
In recent years, countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have contributed substantial funds for the rehabilitation of the sewage system and the supply of drinking water in Havana.
Jorge Suárez, Deputy Director of Sanitation and Storm Drainage at the Aguas de La Habana Company, indicated that today they are receiving cooperation from France and Spain. "We have assistance from the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation and the Water and Sanitation Cooperation Fund (FCAS), also from that country.
"Approximately 900,000 euros have been received. Thanks to this, we completed in December the installation of five pumping units, the five elbows, and the gates associated with Casa Blanca," he specified.
The executive announced that "Havana is awaiting the opening of credit for the arrival of 10 high-pressure equipment units and five vacuum truck cleaners that will also be added to the maintenance workforce."
Additionally, the director of Water Sanitation of Havana noted that since last year, an investment has begun for the technological rehabilitation of the Casa Blanca pumping station, which is connected to the central sewage system.
This year, a kilometer and a half of sewerage that has been under construction for some years on 220th Street in the municipality of La Lisa must also be completed, it was stated.
Citizen Critiques
Several comments on Cubadebate reflect public discontent. A user identified as Eléctrico stated that the first priority should be “to address the waste collection problem in the capital and the poor condition of the roads, followed by the leaks and water dumping grounds. Any efforts made before resolving these two issues will be money and resources wasted.”
For his part, Rembe agreed that “the responsibility does not lie with the population. Misbehavior, as in other cases, begins when there is a lack of consistency in garbage and waste collection in general, when a pothole occurs and is not repaired, when grass grows and is not trimmed, when there is a leak and it is not fixed in time. Social indiscipline is a reflection of institutional neglect in these and other areas.”
Other citizens, like Noel, questioned "where the millions they donate end up. We should ask those who provided the information whether there is any oversight on how the donated resources are spent."
Despite the announcement of some new projects, user Ariel expressed skepticism about a real solution: “I think we need a sewage system about five times larger today, capable of addressing the current problems.”
While the authorities speak of "priorities" and "shared responsibilities," the people of Havana continue to wait for a definitive solution to a problem that is literally overwhelming them.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sewage Crisis and Flooding in Havana
Why does the sewage system in Havana collapse?
The sewage system of Havana is collapsing due to its obsolescence and lack of proper maintenance. Originally built for 600,000 inhabitants, it now must serve a population of about 2,000,000. The accumulation of garbage, lack of sanitation, and deficiencies in investment and maintenance worsen the problem, resulting in frequent flooding.
What are the consequences of flooding in Havana?
Flooding in Havana causes damage to homes, public health risks, and loss of life. A tragic example was the death of a child who was sucked into an open drain last February. Additionally, the accumulation of stagnant water can lead to diseases, while the collapse of infrastructure affects the residents' quality of life.
What measures are the Cuban authorities taking to improve the sewage system in Havana?
The Cuban authorities have received international cooperation to improve sewage systems. Funds from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, France, and Spain have been allocated to sanitation projects. However, the results are questioned by citizens, who criticize the ineffective management and the lack of transparency in the use of those resources.
How does garbage contribute to flooding in Havana?
Waste contributes to flooding by obstructing drainage systems. Accumulated debris blocks drains and sewers, hindering the proper flow of water during heavy rains. This situation has become a chronic problem in many neighborhoods of Havana.
What impact does the sewage crisis have on public health in Havana?
The sewage crisis in Havana poses a significant risk to public health. Stagnant water and the accumulation of garbage can lead to outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis. The lack of efficient waste management and maintenance of the drainage system exacerbate this situation.
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