A Cuban shared a video on TikTok showcasing what the houses are like in Cayuco Sandino, a small village located in the province of Pinar del Río, in western Cuba.
"They ask what the houses are like in Cuba, look," says the woman at the beginning of the video as she walks down a street in the village. "There are wooden houses, there are masonry houses with fiber roofs. Look here, these are made of slabs, all masonry," she explains while filming the different homes in the area.
In her journey, one can see houses in very poor condition, some made of wooden boards, with crumbling walls and makeshift roofs. "There are some that are really cursed, like the board houses, some of the oldest ones, practically falling apart. They are in quite bad shape, but people still live there under those conditions," the woman laments.
In one of these makeshift homes, as she mentions, mangoes are sold in an attempt to generate some income. "People earn their little bits," she adds, referring to the ways residents are trying to survive.
It also shows other, sturdier houses with slab roofs and cement walls, in better condition. "These are the famous slab houses," he says as he points to some more resilient buildings.
The video was recorded by the user @cubansalvi503family on TikTok, where she usually shares content about life in Cuba.
The images reflect the harsh reality of many Cuban communities, where housing insecurity remains a serious and persistent issue.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Situation in Cuba
What is the situation of housing in Cayuco Sandino, Pinar del Río?
In Cayuco Sandino, Pinar del Río, the housing conditions are precarious. You can find wooden houses in poor condition and masonry constructions with fiber roofs. Despite the precariousness, many people continue to live in these conditions. Additionally, some residents try to generate income by selling products such as mangoes.
What are the most common problems in Cuban homes according to social media testimonies?
Housing precariousness, lack of basic services, and the risk of collapses are common problems in Cuban homes. Testimonies on social media reveal situations such as lack of water and electricity, deteriorating walls, makeshift roofs, and unsanitary conditions due to the accumulation of trash. These issues highlight a structural crisis in the country's housing system.
What solutions do Cubans propose in response to the housing and basic services crisis?
Cubans are turning to community solutions and self-management to address the housing crisis and basic services. The population seeks alternatives such as community self-management for cleaning garbage areas and repairing homes, although these solutions are limited. There is also documentation of the pursuit of additional income through small informal businesses to improve living conditions.
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