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Neighbors from Sagua la Grande reported on social media the critical condition of a stretch of road that looks like it has been shaken by an earthquake, but it is merely a reflection of the neglect of infrastructure in Cuba.
The images shared in the Facebook group Revolico de Sagua la Grande Cuba by photographer Ray Saavedra reveal the extreme deterioration of the road, where one can observe the sunk asphalt, crumbling sections, and potholes that force drivers to crawl along, with the constant risk of damaging their vehicles or experiencing an accident.
The post ignited outrage in the community and generated nearly 300 comments. "It's really in bad shape", wrote one user. Another confirmed that it is "terrible, right now it’s impossible to get through. Let's hope no accidents happen, because then they will fix it quickly."
Some comments express frustration and sarcasm. “Let some hero of the homeland come to Sagua, they run even faster there and fix it right away... I don't know how they find the materials, but they get them out,” he claimed.
Other neighbors described the ordeal of traveling through the area. “From Corralillo to Quemado, you have to drive at a turtle's pace because the potholes are immense,” they said.
One went further and linked the state of the road with other issues affecting the town. “Isabela is in chaos with the water situation, the road is impassable, and the same goes for the train… it will only be when there is a derailing and an accident, which hopefully never happens, that they will think of a solution,” he mentioned.
A user concluded with a plea that encapsulates the collective sentiment. “There is tremendous danger; they have seen it for some time and yet they do nothing. May God guide the way without any danger for all drivers,” they commented.
A problem that transcends Sagua
The neglect of the Isabela road is just a reflection of what is happening throughout Cuba.
A few weeks ago, a couple documented on Instagram (@losaventurerosgarcia) the alarming condition of the Carretera Central, in the section between Placetas and Cabaiguán.
In the video, they were struggling to move forward on the motorcycle, navigating around huge potholes. "It seems like we're on the worst road in the world," said one of the travelers.
In April, a motorist reported the deterioration of an unfinished bridge on the National Highway, between Villa Clara and Cienfuegos, whose corroded beams threaten to fall onto vehicles traveling at high speeds.
And in Santiago de Cuba, official figures reveal that almost 70% of the over 6,000 kilometers of provincial roads are in fair or poor condition, despite the 70 million pesos allocated this year for their maintenance, an amount insufficient to reverse the collapse.
Furthermore, the government itself has acknowledged that 75% of the roads in Cuba are in fair or poor technical condition, a diagnosis that confirms what thousands of Cubans experience daily while driving on roads that resemble disaster zones.
In Sagua la Grande, the road that seems to tremble beneath the wheels is nothing more than evidence of a country where the infrastructure, like other public services, is sinking into neglect.
Critical Condition of the Highways in Cuba
Why are the roads in Cuba in such poor condition?
The roads in Cuba are in poor condition due to neglect and the lack of proper maintenance by the government. Despite budget allocations, the road infrastructure has collapsed, resulting in impassable routes and dangerous conditions for users.
What risks do drivers face on Cuban roads?
Drivers in Cuba face significant accident risks due to sinkholes, deep potholes, and a lack of signage on the roads. The situation is worsened by the darkness of the streets caused by the absence of street lighting, which increases the likelihood of dangerous incidents.
How does the condition of the roads affect daily life in Cuba?
The poor state of the roads in Cuba severely impacts the daily lives of citizens. Poorly maintained roads hinder daily transportation, causing delays in getting to work and accessing basic services, which adds to the economic and social precariousness faced by the population.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to improve road infrastructure?
The Cuban government has allocated funds for road maintenance, but these have proven insufficient to reverse the deterioration. Despite promises of recovery, the lack of effective management and the scarcity of materials have hindered significant improvements in road infrastructure.
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