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Blackouts, a storm, and the shutdown of a major generating unit in Cienfuegos are worsening the precarious water supply in several municipalities of Havana.
The company Aguas de La Habana reported on its official channels that the El Gato supply source is operating with seven units from the San José line, but it halted its operations at 4:00 p.m. due to a lack of electrical power. Previously, at 2:30 p.m., the Aguacate Line also went out of service due to a circuit trip.
These incidents directly impact the water supply in the municipalities of Habana del Este and San Miguel del Padrón, leaving thousands of people without access to this basic service, who are already facing serious difficulties in their daily lives due to prolonged power outages.
The disruption of the water supply occurs amid a national energy crisis that intensified this Friday with the outage of unit 3 of the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Thermoelectric Power Plant in Cienfuegos due to a failure in its condenser.
The Electric Union (UNE) denied rumors of a general blackout lasting three days, but acknowledged an impact of over 1,700 MW on Thursday night and more than 1,600 MW on Friday, figures that could increase with the shutdown of the plant in Cienfuegos.
The Cuban population, subjected to daily cuts of electricity and water, increasingly perceives this situation as a result of decades of neglect, mismanagement, and lack of investment in the national energy system.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Energy and Water Crisis in Cuba
Why is the water supply crisis in Havana worsening?
The water supply crisis in Havana is worsening due to power outages that have interrupted the operation of the pumps necessary for water delivery. The lack of electricity is hindering the functioning of the supply sources, affecting thousands of people in several municipalities.
What is the current situation of the electrical system in Cuba?
The electrical system in Cuba is facing a crisis due to a generation deficit exceeding 1,700 MW, with prolonged and frequent blackouts in various parts of the country. The situation is the result of decades of neglect, poor management, and lack of investment in electrical infrastructure.
What impact do power outages have on the daily lives of Cubans?
Power outages severely impact the daily lives of Cubans, affecting the availability of drinking water, food production, and the provision of basic services. Furthermore, they generate deep social unrest and criticism towards the government’s management.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has promised a "viable strategy" to recover the electrical system, although short-term solutions have not been effective. The lack of a concrete plan to restore generation capacity and avoid further blackouts has created distrust among the population.
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