Related videos:
The authorities of Comunales held the population itself responsible this Friday for the serious waste problem in Havana, claiming that citizens destroy, steal, or reuse the containers intended for waste collection.
“It is no secret to any citizen that tanks are used to make small bowls, clothes pegs, or they are buried and turned into water tanks,” stated Mariano Suárez del Villar Farrés, provincial director of Community Services, in an interview with Cubadebate.
According to the official, the capital of Cuba needs 30,000 containers annually to manage the nearly 30,000 cubic meters of waste generated each day, but this year the Military Industry Union will only be able to deliver 12,000.
This is compounded by the loss of dozens of deposits due to thefts and "cannibalizations," which leaves the city with a structural deficit, he emphasized.
He said that the shortage of garbage trucks and spare parts exacerbates the trash crisis in the capital of the island.
However, he did not acknowledge that beyond the shortage of collection tanks, waste accumulates for weeks in areas like Centro Habana without the trucks coming to address the issue.
Although it is assured that the fuel is guaranteed, the collection service fails to consistently cover the 15 municipalities of Havana, leading to the accumulation of waste in streets, corners, and parks.
Meanwhile, Cubans are reacting with outrage to what they consider a "state indifference" regarding the issue of garbage collection.
Some point to social indiscipline, but many directly blame state inefficiency.
“I don’t see the garbage truck passing by daily, which is why the waste accumulates,” said a woman resident of Cerro.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Waste Crisis in Havana
Why is there a shortage of trash containers in Havana?
The shortage of garbage containers in Havana is due to their destruction and reutilization by the population, who use them to create other objects. Furthermore, the Military Industry Union will only be able to deliver 12,000 containers this year, while the city needs 30,000 annually.
How is the accumulation of garbage affecting public health in Havana?
The accumulation of garbage in Havana has led to a public health crisis, with dump sites near schools, hospitals, and homes, increasing the risk of diseases. The situation is worsened by the proliferation of vectors such as rats and mosquitoes.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the garbage problem in Havana?
The Cuban government has not implemented effective measures to resolve the garbage crisis in Havana. Authorities blame the population for the situation, and have failed to establish a stable collection service or increase the availability of containers and collection trucks.
What is the citizens' response to the garbage crisis in Havana?
The citizens of Havana have reacted with outrage to what they consider "state indifference" regarding garbage collection. Many people criticize government inefficiency and denounce the unsanitary conditions in which they must live.
Filed under: