A young Cuban shared her testimony on social media about the abandonment and accumulation of waste on the Vía Blanca in Matanzas, one of the busiest avenues in the city and considered a tourist area due to its proximity to the sea.
In a video posted on TikTok by the user sheyreyes032, the street is seen partially dark, with trash, dry branches, and plastic waste along the sidewalks. The author explains that the Paseo de Martí parks, located by the coast, are also affected: "Little by little, trash is taking over the most beautiful places in our province," she stated.
The young woman points out that none of the six parks in the area is free from deterioration and that the lack of lighting has led to accidents and thefts. “This is one of the busiest avenues, and at night it is completely dark, as the lights are not working,” she reported.
In addition to showing the accumulation of waste, Sheyla notes that on many occasions, the neighbors are forced to burn the garbage due to the lack of institutional response.
The video prompted dozens of comments. Many users agreed that what was shown by Sheyla is repeated in other areas of the country. “It's already widespread,” commented one internet user. Another user lamented the lack of social responsibility: “It's a shame that Cubans are so dirty; they throw everything everywhere.”
Criticism also arose regarding the absence of authorities. “Are there no police in Cuba?”, asked one user. Another suggested, “Have a cleanup day among the neighbors, there's no other option.”
An increasingly visible reality
The situation on the Vía Blanca brings to mind other recent scenes, such as the trash piling up on the beaches of the Matanzas coast, where plastic waste and even appliances are overwhelming areas frequented by bathers.
In another instance, neighborhood residents demonstrated how they organized to clean the areas around a school due to the lack of services, concerned about the impact on children's health.
Reflections have also been shared about the magnitude of the problem, such as the call to create alternative recycling and collection systems in the context of a public health crisis.
Similar testimonies have emerged in other regions, such as the case of a neighborhood where homes are surrounded by flies and trash, or the deterioration of the former Hotel Venus in Santiago de Cuba, now turned into an urban dump.
Without structural solutions, the accumulation of garbage becomes part of the daily landscape, reflecting a reality that many Cubans choose to highlight on their social media, as Sheyla did.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Waste Crisis in Matanzas
What is the current situation of waste in Matanzas?
The accumulation of garbage in Matanzas is critical, especially on Vía Blanca and Paseo de Martí. The streets are partially dark, filled with plastic waste and dry branches, affecting six parks in the area. The lack of lighting has led to accidents and thefts, and residents are often forced to burn the garbage due to the lack of institutional response.
How does the accumulation of garbage affect the community of Matanzas?
The accumulation of waste poses a significant health risk, especially for children who pass through these areas on their way to school. Additionally, the lack of lighting increases the danger of accidents and theft. Neighbors have reported a surge in flies and mosquitoes, which raises the risks of diseases.
What are the authorities doing to address the garbage problem in Matanzas?
Until now, the authorities have not taken effective measures to resolve the trash crisis in Matanzas. The Community Services have not acted, which has led residents to organize themselves to clean the affected areas. The state's inaction has been a constant point of criticism among the citizens.
What solutions have been proposed for the waste crisis in Cuba?
It has been suggested to create alternative recycling and collection systems as a possible solution to the waste crisis in Cuba. However, this requires the participation of both the government and the community. Some residents have proposed organizing community clean-up days, but without an appropriate waste management structure, these initiatives are merely temporary fixes.
Filed under:
