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The National Institute of Territorial Planning and Urbanism (INOTU) reported that between January and May 2025, more than 6,000 new urban violations were detected in Cuba.
The figure reveals the extent of the mismanagement in land management and urban planning, where a total of 11,700 illegalities have been reported so far this year.
The Vice President Yordanka Vázquez Cuñat stated that during the evaluated period, 6,242 inspections and more than 1,300 reinspections were conducted, resulting in the application of over 11,000 fines, including more than 800 for repeat offenses.
However, the proliferation of new urban illegalities has not ceased, which calls into question the effectiveness of the State's corrective actions.
Official data was shared this Tuesday at the Commission on Industry, Construction, and Energy, ahead of the fifth session of the X Legislature of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP).
The most common illegalities are related to the illegal occupation of land, followed by violations in multifamily buildings and unauthorized occupation of premises.
The figures indicate that 97% of the illegalities inherited from previous years have been eradicated, but these only account for 16% of the total inventory planned for the year. The situation is particularly severe in lagging provinces such as Isla de la Juventud, where no progress has been made in eradicating any illegalities so far in 2025.
State organizations such as the ministries of Agriculture, Industry, Transport, Construction, Education, the Sugar Group, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces are involved in some of these irregularities.
The INOTU in its report indicated that in Cuba, around 961 informal neighborhoods are expanding, of which 513 lack official recognition and 379 are considered precarious.
The institute continues to carry out inspections and impose fines, but the problem persists and escalates, highlighting that the repressive approach alone is insufficient to address the crisis in urban planning in Cuba.
The chronic failure to meet housing construction plans, the lack of housing alternatives, internal migration, and the shortage of planning seem to be structural causes that the government has failed to address effectively for over 60 years.
Frequently Asked Questions about Urban Violations in Cuba
How many urban violations have been detected in Cuba in 2025?
More than 10,000 urban violations have been detected in Cuba between January and May 2025, highlighting a lack of control in land management and urban planning.
What are the most common urban planning violations in Cuba?
The most common illegalities are related to the illegal occupation of land, violations in multifamily buildings, and unauthorized occupation of premises. These issues reflect a lack of effective control and planning by the government.
Why do urban illegalities persist in Cuba?
Despite fines and penalties, illegal activities persist due to structural causes such as non-compliance with housing construction plans, lack of housing alternatives, and poor government planning. These deficiencies have not been effectively addressed by the regime.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address zoning violations?
The government has imposed more than 11,000 fines, including penalties for repeat offenses, as a measure to address urban violations. However, the lack of a structured approach and the ineffectiveness of these actions have allowed illegal activities to continue escalating.
How does the housing construction crisis affect the urban situation in Cuba?
The housing construction crisis in Cuba exacerbates urban violations due to a shortage of materials, the collapse of the local industry, and poor state management. These factors have contributed to a housing deficit that forces many to resort to illegal methods to secure a home.
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