The uncontrolled accumulation of garbage in several corners of Vedado has residents of this central Havana neighborhood on high alert. They have reported the prevailing unsanitary conditions and warned of the danger this situation poses with the imminent start of the hurricane season.
On streets like 25 and H, 17 and 10, or 13 and 10, the images reveal an alarming reality: overflowing trash bins, makeshift dumps in the middle of public roads, and waste accumulating for days without being collected.
Additionally, there are remnants of pruning, construction materials, plastics, and food waste that contribute to the proliferation of vectors such as flies, rats, and mosquitoes.
Residents like Ana Albarrán reported that the garbage collection trucks do not complete their routes consistently. "Yesterday, the truck went down I Street and didn't come by here. We are in front of the CI Grandes Alamedas and half a block from the Gastro Institute. With rain and blocked drains, this is a disaster waiting to happen," she commented in a post that has gone viral on social media.
The situation is worsening with the increase in the number of private businesses in the area —paladares, cafes, small and medium enterprises— that produce additional waste in an infrastructure that is already overwhelmed. The lack of oversight and the low level of civic discipline have turned these areas into critical points for public health.
“ This dump is located at 17 and 10. The flies, mosquitoes, and rodents now have a voice of their own. It is not just a minor annoyance; it is a direct threat to our health,” denounced Isabel Xalabarder. At 21 between E and F, there has also been a report of debris accumulation for days.
In the midst of this waste management crisis, the neighbors demanded accountability. They questioned who oversees the routes of the collection trucks, why fines are not imposed on those who dump garbage outside the bins, and they called for the reinstatement of containers suitable for the current volume of waste.
The arrival of the hurricane season makes the cleaning of streets and drains urgent. "It's not just about trimming trees, but ensuring the drainage systems are secure. This could lead to a public health and environmental tragedy," warned Albarrán.
The affected individuals are demanding an immediate response from the authorities of the Plaza de la Revolución municipality and the Community Services before the situation escalates into a larger crisis.
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