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A barge collapsed on August 6th in front of the seawall in Santiago de Cuba, near the Alameda, in an incident that highlights the gradual neglect of maritime infrastructure in this coastal city.
The vessel, belonging to the Conservator of the City, had been deteriorating outdoors for months, left unused and without maintenance, until it became half-submerged in the bay. The image was captured by citizens and shared on social media by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta.
“That truck was not just a piece of metal; it was an opportunity. And they are letting it sink like everything else in this country: through neglect,” said a neighbor from the Los Cangrejitos neighborhood who witnessed the incident.
According to local reports, the floating structure could have been rehabilitated to strengthen maritime transportation between key points along the Santiago coastline, such as La Alameda, Punta Gorda, Caracoles, or Ciudamar, especially in the current context of energy crisis and chaos in land transportation.
"Santiago de Cuba has a natural, calm, and navigable bay, but the authorities have been unable to develop a functional maritime transport network. Neither barges, nor boats, nor catamarans: everything deteriorates, nothing is utilized," stated Mayeta.
As public resources collapse, the people of Santiago must walk long distances, endure endless lines, or ride in makeshift trucks due to the chronic shortage of buses and urban transportation.
This incident has revived questions among the population: Who is responsible for this loss? How long will the potential of the sea as a means to ease mobility in the city be ignored?
"This ship didn't sink on its own. It sank due to neglect. It sank because of bureaucracy. It sank due to a lack of vision," denounced the Santiago journalist residing in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Abandonment of Maritime Transport in Santiago de Cuba
Why did the barge sink in Santiago de Cuba?
The barge sank due to neglect and lack of maintenance. It deteriorated for months in the open air, leading to its collapse in front of the waterfront of Santiago de Cuba. The situation reflects the authorities' indifference towards maintaining maritime infrastructure, resulting in missed opportunities to improve transportation in the city.
How does the abandonment of maritime transport affect the population of Santiago de Cuba?
The abandonment of maritime transport forces the people of Santiago to face long distances on foot and endless queues. The lack of a functional maritime transport network worsens the mobility crisis in the city, especially in the context of the energy crisis and the shortage of land transportation. This abandonment is part of a broader issue of deteriorated infrastructure that impacts the daily lives of the citizens.
What other infrastructures are abandoned in Santiago de Cuba?
In addition to the buses, other infrastructures such as the old Hotel Venus and poorly maintained streets are also neglected in Santiago de Cuba. The neglect is a reflection of government indifference, which has led to the deterioration of historical buildings and public spaces, affecting the quality of life of the citizens and the urban image of the city.
What impact does the abandonment of infrastructure have on Cuba's energy system?
The departure of the Turkish floating power plant from the port of Havana has left the country with only one operational barge, worsening the energy crisis and blackouts across the island. This issue adds to the widespread deterioration of infrastructure and the government's inability to develop alternative energy sources, directly impacting the daily lives of Cubans.
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