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The province of Matanzas is experiencing a severe water crisis caused by the simultaneous breakdown of 11 water pumps, which has left thousands of homes without a stable supply, while authorities attempt to manage the situation with partial repairs and distribution via trucks.
According to Guillermo Cue, director of the Provincial Water and Sewage Company, the situation affects several municipalities and leaves thousands of citizens relying on trucks as their only source of supply.
Among the non-operational equipment are those located in Ceiba Mocha, El Conde, and Julia 1, areas of high incidence in the provincial capital. The pumps were transferred to the National Workshop due to the severity of the damage. The installation of a pending axial bearing has halted operations, with no specific date for restoration, reported the official newspaper Girón.
In Colón, the system in Santa Gertrudis is also out of service. The pump was taken to a local workshop to assess the damage and explore possible solutions, with no immediate guarantees. In Jovellanos, two pumps have collapsed, while one in Coliseo has been repaired, but the one at Autoconsumo is facing serious damage with no short-term solution in sight.
The locality of Cabezas, in Unión de Reyes, also experienced a recent breakage that was partially resolved, although the arrival of a bearing is still awaited to get the system up and running.
In the town of Girón, two additional engines are out of service, and efforts are underway to restore them from the National Workshop.
As the only update, the company reported that a recovered pump will be installed in Agramonte.
But in the meantime, the only effective response has been the distribution of water through tankers, a measure aimed at covering the most affected neighborhoods. New vehicles have been added to this task in areas such as El Cocal, Pueblo Nuevo, and other critical zones of the provincial capital.
The ongoing deterioration of the hydraulic infrastructure in Matanzas and the lack of structural solutions have prompted people to improvise solutions to obtain water, as the pumping system collapses.
In areas like Daoiz, San Severino, or Manzano, the water supply has stopped for weeks, while in other locations the supply is inconsistent, inadequate, and in many cases, non-existent, as acknowledged by the official press.
The scarcity has compelled the use of unsanitary sources such as the Pompón and to pay exorbitant prices for private service. In a city where a family of four requires nearly 5,000 liters of water per week, surviving has become a test of endurance.
Electrical "shocks" are identified as the main cause of instability in the pumping system. According to the Provincial Water and Sewage Company, just one minute without electricity can lead to an hour without water.
This is further compounded by the critical state of the electric power system and the deterioration of the equipment, many of which must be repaired with ingenuity, without spare parts, and with materials gathered from outside the province.
Additionally, the consumption of the Antonio Guiteras Thermoelectric Power Plant and the industrial area has increased, worsening shortages in residential areas. A few weeks ago, it was reported that the Athens of Cuba was suffering from 91 registered leaks, some of which could not be addressed due to the inability to stop the flow of water to key sectors such as industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis in Matanzas
What is the main cause of the water crisis in Matanzas?
The water crisis in Matanzas is mainly caused by the breakdown of water pumps and electrical instability. These issues have left thousands of homes without a stable supply, forcing them to rely on water trucks for their needs. Furthermore, the excessive water consumption by the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant and the lack of infrastructure exacerbate the situation.
How are the authorities addressing the water crisis in Matanzas?
The authorities are carrying out partial repairs and distributing water through tankers as emergency measures. However, these actions have not been sufficient to structurally resolve the crisis, which continues to affect a large part of the population. The lack of replacement parts and the need for creativity in repairs further complicate the situation.
What are the consequences of the lack of water in Matanzas?
The scarcity of water has forced residents to turn to unsanitary sources and pay high prices for private services. This situation poses a health risk, exposing the population to diseases related to contaminated water. Furthermore, the crisis has generated widespread discontent and a daily struggle to access water.
What impact does the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant have on the water crisis?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant consumes a significant amount of water, exacerbating the scarcity in residential areas of Matanzas. This excessive consumption, along with breakdowns in its equipment, contributes to the imbalance in the city's water supply, affecting thousands of citizens.
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