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In the midst of a massive blackout that left the entire island without electricity on Wednesday, the official from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) in Santiago de Cuba Aris Arias Batalla warned that “Do not underestimate the intelligence of the people”.
The statement was made following the televised appearance of engineer Alfredo López Valdés, who justified the generation deficit on the National Television News with arguments such as the wear and tear of thermoelectric plants (over 40 years of operation), urgent work, aging facilities, and financing difficulties due to the U.S. embargo.
In response, Arias Batalla on his Facebook wall Facebook directly questioned the use of the budget allocated for decades to the maintenance and repair of the power plants.
What was the final destination of all the monetary and material budget allocated for planned maintenance by the Cuban government? Why was it not carried out?, emphasized the official, who serves as the head of Operations and Relief at MINSAP in Santiago de Cuba.
He stated that if the work had been done “in a timely manner” the country would not be facing the current electrical contingency. “The blame always falls on the working people, but we are not responsible,” he added.
In his message, he also pointed out the lack of control, restoration, supervision, and internal audits, many of which were “inefficient and manipulated.”
As an example, he mentioned that boiler tubes had been certified in the past despite not meeting the proper conditions, as engineer López Valdés himself acknowledged on television.
“Keep that document because we do not understand each other,” concluded Arias Batalla, in a message that calls into question the official discourse and reflects the growing discontent among state sectors in light of the prolonged energy crisis.
The official, however, acknowledged the efforts of the technicians and workers who are working under extreme conditions to restore the electricity service: “Congratulations to all those dedicated workers who tirelessly strive to restore electricity as quickly as possible. Thank you for your selflessness and commitment.”
His message, widely shared on social media, adds to a chorus of internal criticism that questions not only the technical fragility of the electrical system but also the governmental management and the use of resources allocated for its maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is the main cause of power outages in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba is attributed to multiple factors, including the aging of thermal power plants, insufficient maintenance, and financial difficulties. However, the Cuban government insists that the U.S. "blockade" is the main cause of the blackouts, arguing that it hinders the acquisition of necessary resources for the maintenance and upgrading of the electrical system.
What do Cuban officials think about the management of the electrical system?
Some officials, such as Aris Arias Batalla, have openly criticized the management of the electrical system, questioning the use of resources allocated for its maintenance. Arias Batalla noted that the lack of control and supervision has been a significant issue, pointing out that if the work had been done on time, the country would not be in the current energy crisis.
How does the energy crisis affect the daily lives of Cubans?
Prolonged blackouts severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, disrupting basic services such as the supply of drinking water and food refrigeration. The lack of electricity also hinders education and daily work, in addition to creating an atmosphere of frustration and despair among the population.
What are citizens' reactions to the government's explanations regarding the blackouts?
The government's explanations, which blame the U.S. embargo for the energy crisis, have been met with skepticism and criticism from citizens. Many Cubans believe that mismanagement and internal corruption are the true causes of the collapse of the electrical system, and they demand real and effective solutions.
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