The Chinese government delivered to Cuba an initial batch of parts and equipment to reactivate the deteriorated fleet of buses for public transportation in Havana, which has collapsed due to years of neglect, shortages, and poor state management.
This Thursday, the Cuban regime received a shipment of parts, components, aggregates, and technical equipment as part of a government cooperation project with China, aimed at rehabilitating buses that were out of service due to mechanical failures.
The delivery was coordinated by the China International Development Cooperation Agency. These resources were allocated to the Evelio Prieto Bus Production Company, located in Guanajay, about 50 kilometers from the capital, where many urban transport vehicles remain out of service.
Yosvanis Frías, the factory director, informed the official press that the received parts will be distributed among the mechanical processes, electrical assembly, and quality control. It is projected to start with the recovery of five buses per month, with the goal of returning between 40 and 50 units to the streets before the end of the year.
The Transport Director of Havana, Yuniel de la Rosa, announced that the rehabilitation of around 100 buses in total is expected, and he disclosed that new batches of parts will arrive by sea gradually.
The repair is carried out in collaboration with the state company CAISA, the Ministry of Industry, the Provincial Transport Company of Havana, the General Directorate of Transport of the capital, and under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport.
This aid arrives in a critical context for the Cuban transportation system. The regime's objective is to restore high-demand routes that connect hospitals, schools, and communities.
The "bus graveyards" reflect the collapse of the state model for transportation management
In March, the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez, reported to the National Assembly that only 35% of the planned bus services were carried out in the last year, due to a lack of fuel and spare parts.
Of the more than 2,500 existing routes, almost half are inactive, and many of those that are active operate with only two daily schedules: one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
In addition to the technical collapse, images shared on social media reveal the ruinous state of terminals such as San Agustín and Arimao, where dozens of buses lie dismantled, rusted and abandoned to the elements. A few units remain whole, but most have been reduced to empty shells without wheels or engines.
The deterioration of public transportation is one of the factors that most affects daily life in Cuba. The endless waits, the suspension of routes, and the overcrowding of the few operational units exacerbate urban mobility and further complicate the already precarious economic situation of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Donation from China for Bus Repairs in Havana
What does China's donation for repairing buses in Havana include?
The donation from China includes components and technical equipment for the rehabilitation of buses that have been out of service in Havana. These resources are intended for the Evelio Prieto Bus Production Company to repair units that have been offline due to mechanical failures. The donation is part of a government cooperation project between China and Cuba.
How many buses are expected to be recovered with Chinese assistance?
It is estimated that the donation will rehabilitate at least 100 buses in Havana. The recovery of the units will be carried out gradually, with the goal of putting between 40 and 50 buses into circulation before the end of the year.
What is the current state of public transportation in Havana?
The public transport system in Havana is in a critical state, with only 35% of the planned services being executed due to a lack of fuel and spare parts. Many routes are paralyzed, and the few that are operational function on very limited schedules. The situation has severely affected urban mobility and the quality of life of the residents.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to improve public transportation?
The Cuban government, in addition to receiving international donations such as that from China, is attempting to recover buses through the repurposing of used parts and the repair of engines. Efforts are also being made to improve transportation infrastructure through cooperation with other countries, such as Russia, and the incorporation of new vehicles into the system.
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