The Cuban Daymarelis Rosales Milán sent a strong public message directed at the Cuban authorities, especially at the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, following an accident that occurred on July 31 at 8:00 a.m. in El Cucan, Granma province.
Rosales posted his text in the Facebook group Revolico Jiguaní, where he explained that a car and the vehicle that came to provide assistance were engulfed in flames, and due to the extreme drought and the complete lack of water in the community, the fire spread uncontrollably.
"Despite the community's efforts to help, they didn't even have a bucket of water to extinguish the fire," the woman reported.
The fire could have been prevented if the authorities had fulfilled their responsibilities. “For over three years, this area has been without a turbine, and the comrades from the Government and the PCC have given us a thousand excuses… Now they have had the budget for six months, and still, they haven’t found a solution to this problem,” he pointed out.
The complainant went further to warn that the water scarcity not only affects emergency response but also impacts the health and daily lives of the vulnerable population.
"There are elderly individuals, pregnant women, schoolchildren, and bedridden people" who have not had access to potable water in their homes for several years.
Rosales harshly questioned the authorities. “Where are the leaders, where are the heads in front of a neighborhood without water? To say a neighborhood without water is to say a tired community, weary of struggling.”
In his message, he also denounced the high water prices when it is available. In this community, residents have had to pay up to 300 pesos for a full tank. Additionally, he referred to other chronic shortages such as the lack of food, medicine, and electricity that affect the quality of life of Cubans.
However, this community is not asking for a dignified public service, or electricity every day, or respect for their rights, or freedom of expression... What they want is a simple turbine and the State is unable to provide it.
"We ask for your help regarding our turbine issue, because if immediate solutions have been provided to other regions and towns when they took to the streets to demand them, we will have to do the same. We are already tired! We do not need responses, we need solutions, and we know that they exist," he concluded.
Extreme drought and official indifference
The situation described by Rosales reflects a broader crisis affecting many rural and urban areas in Cuba. The drought on the island is severe, and is worsened by the deterioration of hydraulic infrastructure and institutional inaction.
In many municipalities across the country, the lack of drinking water has become chronic and unsustainable, impacting the hygiene, health, and safety of thousands of families.
In July, Junior González Núñez, the first vice president of the Superior Business Management Organization (OSDE) for Water and Sanitation, explained on official television that approximately 70% of the water service disruptions in the country are linked to issues with the electric service, due to a generation deficit, low voltage, and other factors.
Despite constant citizen complaints, the solutions from the Cuban government have not arrived, and dissatisfaction is growing. Cases like that of El Cucan are becoming increasingly frequent, demonstrating that the limit of citizen patience is close to breaking.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis and Social Discontent in Cuba
What caused the fire in El Cucan, Granma province?
The fire was caused by an accident involving a car and a rescue vehicle that caught fire. The extreme drought and water shortage in the community contributed to the spread of the flames.
Why couldn't the El Cucan community control the fire?
The community was unable to control the fire due to the total absence of water in the area, which prevented residents from even using a bucket of water to extinguish the flames.
What is the situation with the water supply in El Cucan?
El Cucan has been without a water turbine for over three years, leaving its residents without access to this basic service. Despite having had the budget for six months, the authorities have not resolved the issue, severely affecting daily life and the health of the population.
How is the lack of drinking water affecting the Cuban population?
The lack of drinking water has negatively impacted the hygiene, health, and safety of thousands of Cuban families. In many municipalities in Cuba, the situation is unsustainable, and residents are forced to pay high prices for water when it is available.
What has been the Cuban government's response to the protests over the lack of basic services?
The Cuban government, instead of addressing the people's demands, has chosen to discredit the protesters and deny the depth of social unrest. Despite promises to improve the situation, solutions have yet to arrive, and discontent continues to grow on the island.
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