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In an attempt to demonstrate "creativity" amid the critical shortage of materials, the government of the province of Villa Clara is constructing two experimental homes—one in Santa Clara and the other in Remedios—that completely forgo cement and steel.
This "demonstrative project," which they intend to complete by December, contrasts with the 77,000 urgent housing solutions needed in the province, where 39% of the homes are in poor or fair condition, reported the provincial newspaper Vanguardia.
A housing project is underway in Santa Clara and another in Remedios, constructed without cement or steel. It is a commitment to complete them by December in order to demonstrate this alternative, which helps to cope with the rising costs of construction materials,” explained the governor of the province Milaxy Sánchez Armas during Thursday's session of the Provincial Bureau of the Party. The meeting was presided over by Susely Morfa González, the first secretary of the organization in the central territory.
However, the "star solution" - the experimental houses - does not include a widespread implementation plan, it does not explain what alternative materials are being used, nor how they will ensure the durability of these constructions.
The presented report specifies that 39% of the housing stock in Villa Clara is assessed to be in fair and poor technical construction condition, “which represents a commitment to build and rehabilitate more than 46,000 and 31,000 homes, respectively.”
The most committed municipalities are represented by Cifuentes, Sagua, Camajuaní, Manicaragua, Ranchuelo, and Caibarién, the media outlet reported.
Meanwhile, social programs such as the one for mothers with three or more children - prioritized by law - have only benefited five families this year.
The shutdown of the Sagua la Grande quarry due to issues related to the relocation of some nearby homes and the exodus of technicians to the private sector paints a bleak picture, where the promises of "regional meetings" and "university consulting" appear inadequate in light of the extent of the housing crisis.
One of the conclusions from the meeting included the potential call for "a regional gathering" with workers and executives, in order to "present work projections and a recovery program that encourages the housing fund in Villa Clara," according to Vanguardia.
The collapse of housing construction in Cuba clearly reflects the extent of the economic and social crisis the country is experiencing. In 2024, 5.5 times fewer homes were built than in 1984 and 15 times fewer than in 2006.
Even in 1992— a critical year of the Special Period— almost three times as many houses were built as last year, according to economist Pedro Monreal.
Only 1,344 homes were built in the first quarter of 2025, which represents just 12.4% of the official plan of 10,795. This figure confirms not only the collapse of the state construction program but also the structural crisis in the sector and the government's inability to address one of the population's most urgent needs.
In parallel, statistics from recent years show a clear trend: since at least 2014, investments in tourism have increased their share of the national budget, to the detriment of key sectors such as housing and social infrastructure.
Such priorities for investors, despite the economic stagnation and widespread deterioration in sensitive areas like public health and food supply, reveal an increasingly profound disconnection between the priorities of the Cuban government and the actual needs of the population.
Official speeches continue to recycle unfulfilled promises: "greater efficiency," "technological innovation," "links with universities," or "sustainable strategies." However, there are increasingly more Cubans without homes, living on the streets or lacking resources to restore their homes at risk of collapse.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Crisis and Projects in Villa Clara, Cuba
What characterizes the housing project without cement or steel in Villa Clara?
The project in Villa Clara involves the construction of experimental housing that does not use cement or steel. This attempt at "innovation" arises in response to the critical shortage of materials, but it lacks a comprehensive implementation plan and does not specify the alternative materials being used or how the durability of these constructions will be ensured.
What is the current situation of the housing fund in Villa Clara?
The housing situation in Villa Clara is critical, with 39% of the homes in fair or poor condition. The province urgently needs 77,000 housing solutions, which presents a significant challenge for the Cuban government, which has systematically failed to meet its housing construction plans.
How has the construction materials crisis impacted Cuba?
The construction materials crisis in Cuba, particularly the shortage of cement, has had a devastating impact on the construction sector. In 2024, only 10% of the installed capacity for cement production was utilized, reflecting the extent of deterioration in the national production system and the government's inability to meet basic housing needs.
What priorities does the Cuban government have regarding investments?
In recent years, investments in tourism have overshadowed key sectors such as housing. This disconnect between government priorities and the real needs of the population has contributed to the economic stagnation and housing crisis in Cuba, where thousands of families are still awaiting a dignified solution to their housing problems.
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