A group of Cuban mothers blocked a street in Regla, Havana, as a form of protest after several months without water.
According to the well-known X user San Memero, the mothers from “Calzada Vieja between C and D in Regla decided to block the streets with objects and themselves forming a human cordon with their children.”
“It has been more than 3 months since the water from the pipe has come in. They have been receiving empty promises for months,” he added.
In the shared video, mothers are seen arguing with men on motorcycles who are trying to move past them, stating that "They are not to blame." To which these mothers respond, referring to the government: "They do nothing."
Sources close to the protesters consulted by CiberCuba stated that the mothers from the Unión neighborhood decided to protest due to the lack of concern from local organizations and institutions.
In the three months that the situation has persisted, in areas of that neighborhood where there are significant water issues, the authorities have only sent one tanker and informed them that the problem has no solution.
"The PCC, the government, and the municipal and provincial water authorities are aware of this," the source claims.
They also confirmed that after the mothers began the protest, the authorities started making promises to them.
More than a million Cubans without access to water
Just a few days ago, the president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, acknowledged that around one million people in Cuba are facing daily issues with water supply, due to the energy crisis, lack of material resources, and a persistent drought.
The executive specified that about 300,000 people are without water due to equipment breakdowns, but the total number of those affected rises to one million Cubans, including interruptions due to blackouts, lack of fuel, or failures in the distribution system.
In coordination with the Electric Union, the INRH attempted to protect 486 essential pumping stations, but they were only able to ensure 37%, as energizing all those stations would lead to increased outages in other areas of the country.
Other complaints
This week it was also revealed that more than a hundred families residing in the community of Lagunilla, in the province of Cienfuegos, have been without access to drinking water for seven years.
The situation, which primarily affects children and the elderly, has generated a deep sense of abandonment and frustration among the neighbors, who claim to have exhausted all institutional avenues without receiving a response.
The complaint was captured in a video published by CubaNet, where several residents personally reported the daily challenges they face in obtaining the water they need for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene, or taking care of their children.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis and Protests in Cuba
Why did Cuban mothers close a street in Regla?
Cuban mothers blocked a street in Regla in protest over being without potable water for more than three months. They are tired of the government's empty promises and decided to demonstrate by closing the street with objects and forming a human chain alongside their children.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests over the lack of water and basic services?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its lack of effective response to protests over basic services. The authorities have promised solutions, but often they have failed to meet their commitments, leading to discontent and desperation among the population.
What other protests have recently occurred in Cuba related to the lack of basic services?
In addition to the protests over the lack of water, there have been demonstrations in Cuba regarding prolonged power outages and food shortages. Families are facing difficult living conditions due to a lack of resources and governmental inefficiency, which has led to several protests in different parts of the country.
How does the water crisis affect the daily life of Cubans?
The water crisis in Cuba severely impacts hygiene, public health, and daily household tasks. Many families are forced to resort to extreme solutions, such as using rivers to wash their clothes, due to the irregular supply of drinking water.
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