A Cuban identified on TikTok as @sheyreyes032 raised awareness through a video about the alarming conditions of unsanitary and deteriorating urban environments affecting her community, by showing images of a street overwhelmed with garbage, stagnant water, potholes, and an improvised dump located in front of a church and near a school.
This is what the streets are like in Cuba,” Sheyla begins to say in the video that has already garnered thousands of views. She points out that the trash pile shown is “on the other block” from her house, and that it has been created by the neighbors themselves due to the poor condition of the nearby oxidation lagoon. According to the young woman, the waste occupies several blocks and the road is used daily by children heading to school, which exacerbates health risks.
"It's heartbreaking to see how each day our surroundings are more and more destroyed, and how those places that were part of our childhood are completely in ruins," she lamented. She also shows a church located nearby, in front of which there is another, though smaller, dump. "And if we go down to the Marina or to other areas, we cry together," the TikToker concludes in a resigned tone.
In the comments of the video, dozens of users expressed their sadness and frustration over the situation. “My Cuba is destroyed,” “Cuba hurts,” and “Sad truth, my God” are some of the most frequent reactions. Others criticized both the government and the neighbors themselves for allowing the deterioration: “And the people who live there, why don’t they clean? They want everything to be done by the government,” wrote an internet user, while several proposed community initiatives to clean the streets in response to government inaction.
Sheyla's complaint adds to a series of citizen reports regarding the waste crisis and urban neglect in various areas of the country. In Matanzas, another young woman recently showed how her community had to organize to collect trash due to the lack of response from the Community Services. In Havana, the collapse of the sewage system exacerbates flooding, and in coastal areas like Matanzas, waste invades the tourist coastline, posing serious implications for health and the environment.
Moreover, content that reflects the citizens' despair has gone viral on social media. A recent example is the video titled “Cuba is Broken”, which starkly portrays the daily reality faced by millions of Cubans, from food shortages to the deterioration of basic infrastructure.
Meanwhile, citizens continue to denounce, resist, and in some cases, organize themselves in response to an urban landscape that increasingly exposes them to neglect and health risks.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urban Decay and Unsanitary Conditions in Matanzas, Cuba
What is the current public health situation in Matanzas, Cuba?
The sanitation situation in Matanzas is alarming. The streets are overwhelmed with garbage, with stagnant water and potholes, posing a significant health risk. The accumulation of waste is due to the inaction of the Community Services and the lack of resources, forcing residents to create makeshift dumps.
How does the accumulation of garbage affect the community of Matanzas?
The accumulation of garbage in Matanzas severely affects the community. Poor waste management leads to swarms of flies and mosquitoes, unbearable odors, and health risks, especially for the children who pass through the affected areas daily. This situation is compounded by the lack of governmental response.
What community initiatives are being implemented to address the waste crisis in Matanzas?
In the absence of government action, the residents of Matanzas have begun to organize themselves to clean the streets on their own initiative. These community actions aim to mitigate health risks and preserve the well-being of the inhabitants, although a long-term solution requires effective state intervention.
What measures have the authorities taken regarding the water supply in Matanzas?
The authorities of Matanzas have attempted to restore the water supply following episodes of contamination. Residents have been advised to chlorinate the water before consumption to prevent health risks. However, the quality of the water remains an issue due to contamination and the lack of maintenance of the pipes.
How has the population of Matanzas reacted to the situation of urban decay?
The population of Matanzas has reacted with sadness and frustration to the urban decline. Many citizens have expressed their discontent through social media, denouncing the lack of government action and the urgent need for solutions. Despite the adversities, some residents have shown resilience and solidarity by organizing to face the crisis.
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