Tired of a month without water service and in the midst of another blackout, the residents of La Loma de Fumero, in the capital municipality of Regla, took to the streets last night to protest by banging pots and shouting slogans against the indifference of the authorities.
Videos shared on Facebook by users like Hermes Yasell-CubaFace show neighbors shouting “We want water pin*, we want water Pin***!” while they were standing in the middle of one of the streets in the area.
The protest erupted just as the area was experiencing another blackout, which heightened the tension.
The protesters demanded an immediate solution to the problem that has left them without drinking water for a month and warned that they would not leave until a water truck arrived or the service was restored, highlighted the user La Tijera through their page on Facebook.
"Enough of the abuse," the residents demanded.
The neighborhood explosion reflects the collapse of basic services in Cuba, with broken water supply, endless blackouts due to energy deficits, garbage piling up on every corner, and authorities unable to provide answers.
On August 19, dozens of Cubans blocked the central Reina street with buckets, tanks, and empty containers in the Centro Habana municipality, to demand immediate solutions to the shortage of drinking water affecting thousands of families in the capital.
Previously, the desperation due to the lack of drinking water and basic food items drove several residents of the town of Cajimaya, in Mayarí, Holguín, to peacefully protest, fed up with state abandonment and the continual deterioration of their living conditions.
On the night of September 3rd, a spontaneous protest erupted on Águila and Monte streets, also in Centro Habana, when a group of residents took to the streets to demand the restoration of the drinking water service, which they have been without for over 30 days.
A few days later, a group of neighbors in the capital reported in a television segment from Canal Habana that they have been without the vital liquid for over a month, despite promises of distribution via tankers. During the broadcast, the residents questioned the lack of effective solutions and expressed their outrage at the failure to provide the service.
Also, in mid-September, neighbors near the corner of Tejas in the Cerro municipality of Havana staged a pot-banging protest against a blackout that lasted for over seven hours.
It was not the first time that the residents of this locality had protested, as in November 2024, they held a similar protest after going three days without water or electricity.
The water crisis in Cuba has reached very alarming levels, as more than three million people, equivalent to 30% of the population residing in the country, are currently experiencing a total or partial lack of this resource nationwide, according to official data.
The Cuban government decided to release the constituency delegates from their usual jobs so they can fully dedicate themselves to directly attending to the population, amid a deep energy crisis and water supply issues that have sparked increasing protests in several regions of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Water Crisis in Cuba
Why did the residents of La Loma de Fumero in Regla protest?
The neighbors of La Loma de Fumero in Regla protested because they had been 30 days without potable water. The lack of response from the authorities and a power outage that occurred simultaneously increased the tension, prompting residents to take to the streets to demand an immediate solution.
What is the situation regarding the water supply in Cuba?
The water supply situation in Cuba is critical. According to official data, more than three million people, which represents 30% of the population, experience a total or partial lack of water throughout the country. The scarcity is due to issues such as drought, failures in pumping systems, and power outages that affect the supply.
How has the Cuban government responded to the protests over the lack of water?
The response of the Cuban government to the protests has been insufficient. Despite freeing the district delegates from their usual jobs to directly attend to the population, the solutions provided have not been effective or consistent. In many cases, the authorities have made empty promises and, on certain occasions, have resorted to repression to silence the demonstrations.
What other problems do Cubans face apart from the lack of water?
In addition to the lack of water, Cubans are facing prolonged blackouts, garbage accumulation, shortages of food and medicine, and a severe energy crisis. These issues reflect a collapse in basic services and the regime's inability to provide effective solutions, leading to increasing social discontent and protests in various regions of the country.
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