More potholes than roads: Almost 70% of the streets in Santiago de Cuba are in fair or poor condition

In Santiago de Cuba, 4,286 kilometers of the 6,190 kilometers that make up the province's road network are in fair to poor condition, which represents 69.2% of the total and highlights the neglect and the urgent need for significant repairs.

Only 1,903 kilometers are in good condition, according to figures provided by the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, in a report published on his Facebook profile.

Despite the allocation of approximately 70 million pesos for the maintenance of roadways in 2025, the official himself acknowledges that this amount is insufficient to reverse the deterioration of streets, avenues, and strategic routes, including those of the Turquino Plan.

According to the report, public transportation in the eastern territory continues to operate in crisis. Only 126 out of 196 routes are functioning (64.3%), many with reduced frequencies due to a lack of fuel, lubricants, and the deplorable condition of the roads. Connections with municipalities such as Guamá, II Frente, and III Frente “remain critical,” and the distribution of tires is still incomplete.

"In general, the instability in the supply of fuels and lubricants hinders adequate coverage of state basic services, while non-state services, with a different cost structure, have higher prices that, in many cases, are not affordable," Rodríguez stated.

Signage is also facing delays: only a few vertical signs have been installed on key streets, while horizontal signage remains pending due to a lack of materials, “which we hope will be realized in the second semester,” he indicated.

When referring to the work of the state inspectors who manage the passage in state vehicles, the head of Transportation admitted that during a tour, “we have seen excellent examples of selfless and dedicated workers (the majority), but we have also witnessed arbitrariness, especially regarding the charges to the public.”

Recent efforts, such as the partial rehabilitation of transport bases and the deployment of electric tricycles in some areas, represent minimal relief in the face of a collapsing situation.

The railway, identified as a viable alternative, also faces limitations due to a lack of maintenance and equipment, despite some progress in the recovery of trains and stations.

Meanwhile, Santiago de Cuba is getting ready for summer with an operation that includes 21 state-owned vehicles, 60 rented ones, and some local initiatives such as three trains, four "guarandingas," and two double-decker buses.

As additional support measures, "the presence of breathalyzer checks and technical inspections on the roads will be guaranteed," Rodríguez stated, adding that "the growth of the motorcycle and cycle fleet requires additional preventive measures and constant monitoring to reduce accidents."

The Cuban government has acknowledged that 75% of the roads and thoroughfares in the country are in poor or fair technical condition.

The state of the roadways in Cuba, with impassable roads or ones riddled with potholes, presents a significant challenge for the government, as it directly impacts the quality of life for citizens and the provision of essential services. Even the National Highway is not spared from deterioration.

Nevertheless, despite the critical situation of the infrastructures in the country, the government prioritizes resources to repair roads that see hardly any traffic other than tourist buses and rental cars.

In recent years, accidents on public roads have become an increasingly concerning phenomenon, and many drivers are reporting the poor condition of the roads and streets.

During the first four months of the year, 2,377 traffic accidents were recorded, a reduction of 150 incidents compared to the same period in 2024. However, the accidents were more deadly: fatalities increased, even though the number of injuries also declined.

Frequently Asked Questions about the State of Roads and Transportation in Cuba