Havana: Casino Deportivo is flooded with sewage and children walk among feces

Children walk through black waters to get to school in Casino Deportivo, while a project to address the drainage issue remains stalled due to institutional obstacles

They report a sewage leak in the Casino Deportivo neighborhood in HavanaPhoto © Collage Facebook / Fernando Ravsberg

Related videos:

The Casino Deportivo neighborhood, in the Cerro municipality of Havana, is facing a severe health crisis: the streets are flooded with sewage, and children have to walk through feces to get to school.

The complaint was made public this Sunday by journalist Fernando Ravsberg through his profile on Facebook, where he warned that the neighborhood "is literally sinking into shit."

Facebook Capture / Fernando Ravsberg

According to the explanation, there is an approved project to address the situation, but the state company Aguas de La Habana states that an institution—whose name was not disclosed—is opposing the execution of the works.

While the authorities have not reached an agreement, the sewage continues to overflow, and residents have to live with the stench and health risks.

Ravsberg accompanied his post with a gallery of images that showcases the extent of the drainage issues: pools of foul-smelling water stretch for several meters, covering a large part of the roadway and obstructing the passage of people.

The situation has sparked outrage on social media, where users are calling for an immediate solution and denouncing the institutional indifference towards the everyday struggles of the residents.

"The children cross several rivers of polluted water to get to school," Ravsberg wrote, in what appears to be a raw but accurate summary of state neglect.

The unsanitary situation in the Casino Deportivo neighborhood of Havana is not an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of a structural crisis affecting all of Cuba. In the country, over 173,000 people lack access to adequate sanitation systems, according to official figures, highlighting the magnitude of the problem and the urgency for a comprehensive solution.

The sewage system of the capital, described as a “century-old problem that suffocates”, continues to collapse in the face of institutional neglect.

This reality has resulted in accidents such as the overturning of an electric tricycle with passengers due to a pothole on a street in Havana, or the almost inevitable fall of two motorcyclists into a large hole filled with wastewater in the middle of the road, a case that was widely reported by residents on social media.

In addition to traffic accidents, the situation poses serious risks to the safety of the most vulnerable population. Uncovered manholes have become deadly traps for children and pedestrians in various parts of the country, leading to constant citizen complaints about the neglect of basic infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Health Crisis in the Casino Deportivo Neighborhood of Havana

What is the current situation in the Casino Deportivo neighborhood?

The Casino Deportivo neighborhood is facing a serious health crisis due to the flooding of sewage in its streets. Children have to walk among feces to reach school, which poses a significant risk to public health.

Why hasn't the issue of sewage been resolved in the neighborhood?

There is a project to address the situation, but an unidentified institution opposes its implementation. While the authorities discuss, the problem continues to affect the residents of the neighborhood.

What risks does the current situation pose for the residents of Casino Deportivo?

The situation poses a significant health risk. Exposure to wastewater can lead to infectious diseases and impacts the quality of life of residents.

How does this crisis relate to the state of the sewage system in Havana?

The issue in the Casino Deportivo neighborhood is part of a broader crisis in Havana due to an outdated and overloaded sewage system. The city's hydraulic infrastructure has not been updated to accommodate its current population, leading to frequent collapses during rain and sanitation problems.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.