Severe thunderstorms and heavy rains have left Matanzas without wells, in yet another incident that seems to conspire against nature and the inefficiency of the regime.
The information was published by the Girón newspaper on its Facebook profile, citing Guillermo Cue, the director of the Provincial Water Supply and Sanitation Company, who detailed that the Medium, Low, and High Zones of the city, as well as Naranjal Norte, Versalles, and the Eastern Zone, were left without service.
Although the supply to the Health Complex, the Industrial Zone, and the Pediatric Hospital was partially restored around midnight, other areas are still awaiting service.
The situation is worsened by multiple breakdowns: in Carbonera, a pump had damage to its axial bearing; in Guanábana, the equipment that supplies the community caught fire; and in the El Conde system, equipment 1 suffered a malfunction just nine hours after being reactivated, affecting the supply in Pueblo Nuevo and Playa.
The breakdown, which occurred nine hours after its restoration, significantly impacts the water distribution to several areas of the Popular Councils of Pueblo Nuevo and Playa.
The authorities are working on pumping in Cantel and Camarioca, and they plan to incorporate the Autoconsumo pump in Jovellanos, while strategies are being developed to address the crisis in the most affected areas.
A few weeks ago, the regime itself acknowledged that more than a million Cubans live with a precarious water supply, facing deteriorating networks, distribution losses, and systems that do not meet basic demand. The authorities admitted that much of the country's hydraulic infrastructure is on the brink of collapse.
This structural crisis is compounded by the fact that, recently, extreme drought has severely impacted several provinces, causing in some areas the water supply to rely on truck deliveries. Dams and wells are at historically low levels, which has resulted in prolonged cycles of rationing.
In Guantánamo, the situation has become critical after its main reservoir has nearly run dry. The shortage affects entire neighborhoods and has forced the suspension or drastic reduction of essential services, highlighting the vulnerability of the eastern provinces in the face of a combination of natural phenomena and government negligence.
Frequently asked questions about the water crisis in Matanzas
Why is Matanzas facing a water supply crisis?
The water supply crisis in Matanzas is due to a combination of factors such as the inefficiency of the regime, the energy crisis, and the deteriorated infrastructure. Thunderstorms and breakdowns in the pumping system have also significantly contributed to the problem, leaving many areas without water service, despite having abundant underground water reserves.
Which areas of Matanzas are most affected by the lack of water?
The areas most affected in Matanzas include the Medium, Low, and High Zones of the city, as well as Naranjal Norte, Versalles, and the Eastern Zone. Additionally, places such as Pedro Betancourt, Unión de Reyes, Bolondrón, Jovellanos, and Colón are also facing serious challenges with water supply.
What solutions are being implemented to address the water crisis in Matanzas?
The authorities are working on partial repairs and water distribution through tankers, but these measures are insufficient to meet demand. Efforts are being made to repair the damaged pumps and stabilize the electrical supply, but so far, no long-term solutions have been implemented to address the underlying crisis.
How does the energy crisis affect the water situation in Matanzas?
The energy crisis directly affects the water supply in Matanzas because the pumping systems depend on electricity to operate. Power outages and electrical instability cause damage to the pumping motors, severely limiting the operating time and the capacity to distribute water in the province.
What role does the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant play in the water crisis in Matanzas?
The Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant is one of the main consumers of water in Matanzas, exacerbating the supply crisis. Its high water consumption, along with its inefficient operation, contributes to the imbalance in water supply in the city, affecting residential areas and worsening an already critical situation.
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