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The housing collapse in Cuba is raising alarms once again. This time, the scare took place in the 13-story building in the Peñas Altas neighborhood of Matanzas, where chunks of concrete fell off, endangering the lives of passersby.
On the social media platform Facebook, the profile La Tijera shared the account of a neighbor who, upon arriving with his children to visit his parents, witnessed a concrete block suddenly collapse, falling right next to his youngest child. The impact tore the child's clothing, and he ended up with a minor scratch, although the incident could have been fatal.
The affected area is part of a well-known residential complex in the city, commonly referred to as “the Polinesio building” or “the one with the Cuban flag.” According to the shared testimony, the building shows severe structural deterioration, with visibly damaged facades, poorly maintained stairs, unpleasant odors, a lack of maintenance, and a complete absence of lighting and elevators.
A daily danger in inhumane conditions
In addition to the risk of landslides, residents face deplorable living conditions: broken stairs, accumulated garbage, a constant stench, and complete darkness in the hallways. Climbing the floors becomes a dangerous task, especially for the elderly or those with limited mobility.
Neighbors have reported that at least three more buildings in the area show similar conditions, and that improvised modifications —such as the installation of air conditioners, drilling in slabs, or structural overloads— worsen the vulnerability of the constructions.
Crisis of the housing fund in Cuba
This case adds to the long list of partial or total building collapses that have claimed lives in recent years on the island. According to official figures, over 37% of the country's housing stock is in "fair or poor" condition, and the lack of investment, maintenance, and effective policies has turned the right to safe housing into a silent national emergency.
The incident in Peñas Altas is yet another example of structural neglect, where citizens not only have to worry about power outages or food shortages but also about the very real danger of their roof collapsing on them.
Last Friday, the story of a young Cuban was shared, whose home partially collapsed more than four years ago in Havana, and he continues to live among the rubble with his mother due to a lack of housing alternatives. The worst part is that there are many such cases scattered throughout an island frozen in time.
While the regime prioritizes parades and international propaganda, the buildings of Cuba crumble over the daily lives of its people. The one in Matanzas was not a tragedy... by miracle. But time keeps ticking.
Frequently asked questions about the housing crisis in Cuba and the incident in Matanzas
What happened in the building in Matanzas that caused alarm?
In the 13-story building located in the Peñas Altas neighborhood of Matanzas, pieces of concrete fell, endangering the lives of passersby. A concrete block fell right next to a child, tearing his clothes and causing him a slight scratch. This incident highlights the serious structural issues of the building.
What is the current state of housing in Cuba?
According to official figures, more than 37% of the housing stock in Cuba is in "fair or poor" condition. The lack of investment and maintenance has turned the right to safe housing into a national emergency. This deterioration is exacerbated by the lack of effective policies and governmental negligence.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the housing crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the construction of 12,183 housing units by 2025 and is working on a new Housing Law. However, the set goals seem optimistic and unrealistic, given the history of failures to meet targets and the inefficiency of the regime. The situation remains critical and requires urgent attention.
How does the lack of maintenance affect buildings in Cuba?
The lack of maintenance has led to significant deterioration in the housing structures of Cuba. This neglect results in detachments, collapses, and a constant risk to the safety of citizens. The situation is particularly alarming in old and poorly constructed buildings, such as the one in Matanzas.
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