The municipalities of Santa Clara and Caibarién, in the province of Villa Clara, are facing a severe crisis in the supply of drinking water, with several supply systems completely stalled. The situation has caused significant concern among the population, while authorities assure that they are working around the clock to resolve the multiple technical failures.
According to statements from Eng. Ruslam Moraguez Cortés, Director of Engineering at the Aqueduct and Sewage Company (EAA) of Villa Clara, reported by the official communicator Henry Omar Pérez, the main issue in Santa Clara lies with the Minerva-Ochoita system, which has been halted since Saturday afternoon due to a significant decrease in the water inflow to the Ochoita water treatment plant.
Although the pressures at the Minerva pumping station remain within normal levels, a significant leak is suspected between the La Jutía tank and the plant.
“We are working intensively to identify and resolve this issue. Once the repair work on the Barcelona bridge is completed, we will proceed to eliminate this leak,” Moraguez stated.
Meanwhile, the supply through tank trucks has also been limited, worsening the situation for thousands of residents.
The Palmarito-Tanque Autopista system continues to operate relatively normally, supplying areas such as Virginia, the Military Hospital, Carmen, Marquitos, Riviera, Manuelita, and Dobarganes. This system will be reinforced following the repair of the Barcelona bridge, prioritizing hospitals and communities such as Ecil and Caracatey.
On the other hand, the Agabama system, which depends on the levels of the reservoir, remains halted in order to not interfere with the ongoing repair work. Its reactivation is expected once the work on the bridge is completed.
In Caibarién, the situation is even more delicate. The Rojas 2 pumping station has been out of service since April 30 due to its motor burning out, currently being repaired in San José.
This was joined by the Rojas 1 outage, inactive since May 1 due to a pressure drop that revealed mechanical failures. Both units have been transported to Havana due to the inability to repair them locally.
Meanwhile, the locality depends exclusively on Well 8, which has prolonged the delivery cycles and affected coverage. Moraguez stated that two tanker trucks have been sent and that a third will be added “to mitigate the impact on the population.”
Despite the reported efforts, authorities have not provided a specific date for the normalization of the service. The population, for its part, reports serious impacts on their daily routines, public health, and access to essential services.
Santa Clara: recurring faults in the Minerva-Ochoita system
The Minerva-Ochoita system, essential for water supply in Santa Clara, has experienced numerous breakdowns over time. In January 2023, more than 86,000 residents were affected by the breakdown of pumping equipment, which forced reliance on water trucks, whose distribution was limited due to fuel shortages.
Additionally, in October 2022, a break in the main pipeline left neighborhoods such as Santa Catalina, Capiro, and La Vigía without service, which were already experiencing prolonged supply cycles.
Caibarién: more than 25 days without water and bottled water sales
In September 2024, the population of Caibarién faced more than 25 days without drinking water. Henry Omar Pérez himself shared images of residents collecting water from tank trucks, while the authorities began selling bottled water through the Foreign Currency Collection Shops (TRD), at prices deemed unaffordable by many.
The situation sparked outrage among the residents. A Cuban mother expressed her desperation in a live broadcast, denouncing that they had been without water for more than 10 days and that the regime was "killing them with thirst."
Similarly, the water shortage has had direct consequences on the health of the population. In May 2019, an increase in diarrheal cases was reported in Villa Clara, especially in Caibarién, Remedios, and Santa Clara, attributed to the consumption of contaminated water and spoiled food.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Supply Crisis in Villa Clara
What is the main problem with the water supply in Santa Clara?
The main problem in Santa Clara is the paralysis of the Minerva-Ochoita system due to a significant decrease in the water inflow to the Ochoita water treatment plant. There is suspicion of a major leak between the La Jutía tank and the plant, which is being investigated for repair.
How is the water crisis affecting the residents of Caibarién?
In Caibarién, the water crisis has left the population entirely reliant on Well 8, as the pumping stations Rojas 1 and Rojas 2 are out of service due to breakdowns. This has extended the water delivery cycles and affected coverage, causing a significant impact on the daily lives of the residents.
What solutions are the authorities implementing to mitigate the water shortage?
The authorities are working on repairing the damages and have reinforced the supply using tanker trucks. However, no specific date has been provided for the normalization of the service, which generates uncertainty and concern among the affected residents.
How does the water crisis impact public health in Villa Clara?
The water scarcity has had direct consequences on public health, with an increase in diarrheal diseases attributed to the consumption of contaminated water and spoiled food. This situation is particularly concerning in communities that already face limited access to essential services.
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