Efforts to eliminate the serious leaks in the Cuenca Sur pipeline are ongoing against the clock in Havana, amid a crisis that has left large areas of the capital without service.
The extent of the damage has turned the intervention into an emergency operation that involves several state-owned companies, but there is currently no clear forecast for when supply will be restored.
In an optimistic post made by Aguas de la Habana (AH) on the morning of this Thursday, the state-owned company referred to a "powerful alliance" aimed at solving the problem.
"The goal: to optimize time, bring in expertise, and achieve exceptional results. When we come together, we can achieve great outcomes!", they concluded, without any hint of when the problem will be resolved.
Previously, in another social media post, the Hydraulic Engineering Services Company of the West (ESIHO) described the solution to the leaks in the Cuenca Sur pipeline as "complex."
The builders of Hydraulic Resources are facing the challenge under the supervision of Jorge Luis Fajardo Yero, head of supervisors of the Engineering Services Group of Havana.
The situation, however, is not new: the drivers supplying the city have been dealing with cumulative deterioration that has led to repeated outages, and this time it forced an immediate suspension of service.
To address the magnitude of the problem, various entities from the sector have been mobilized.
According to Aguas de La Habana, the construction companies of the INRH are joined by expert welders from Cubana del Acero, who also fabricated the large diameter pieces needed for this project. The expertise of the welders from EMCOR-CUPET is also contributing.
ESIHO emphasized that work is being carried out without interruption: “We are working on the Cuenca Sur pipeline nonstop to ensure supply to the capital, trying to complete the work in record time so as not to affect the population that relies on this large system.”
These tasks are also joined by Aguas de La Habana, EMAROHO, and Cubana del Acero, under the direct supervision of the senior management of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), including its vice president, Javier Toledo Tapanes.
In a post made this Wednesday on Facebook, Aguas de La Habana announced and justified the interruption.
The state-owned company reported that, due to the number and condition of the leaks detected in the main pipeline, they decided to suspend the water service in areas of the capital.
"The quantity and condition of the leaks forced us to advance the suspension of the service. This measure is necessary, and we hope it will be well received by our users, as we are eliminating one of the most critical vulnerabilities currently affecting the pipeline," they warned.
The company explained that the decision had already been anticipated and announced through its official channels. It also assured that it will keep the public informed about the progress of the work and the restoration of the service.
The logistical deployment—which includes earth movement, the transfer of resources, and the establishment of conditions for a rapid and effective intervention—aims, according to official information, to expedite preparatory work and stabilize supply once corrective actions have been implemented.
According to the information released by the company, the work is focused on the 78-inch pipeline that supplies the central area of Havana.
A report from the television news this Thursday stated that the pumping is expected to resume on September 26. However, as of the closing of this note, Aguas de La Habana has not confirmed this information on its social media.
Some neighborhoods in Havana have gone over 30 days without receiving potable water in their homes. Some residents have even taken to the streets to protest this issue.
Cansados de un mes sin servicio de agua y en medio de otro apagón, hace algunos los vecinos de La Loma de Fumero, en el capitalino municipio de Regla, went out to protest by banging pots and shouting slogans against the indifference of the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Suspension of Water Service in Havana
Why has the water service been suspended in Havana?
The water service in Havana has been suspended due to the quantity and condition of leaks in the main pipeline of Cuenca Sur. This measure is necessary to eliminate critical vulnerabilities in the system and improve the supply once the work is completed.
How long will the suspension of water service last?
Currently, there is no clear indication of when water service will be restored in Havana. Aguas de La Habana has not confirmed the exact date for the resumption of pumping on its social media. However, a report from the television news suggests that it could restart on September 26.
What entities are involved in the repair of leaks?
Several state entities are involved in the repair of the leaks, including Aguas de La Habana, the Hydraulic Engineering Services Company of the West, Cubana del Acero, EMAROHO, and the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), among others.
How is the water crisis affecting the residents of Havana?
The water crisis has left some neighborhoods in Havana without service for over 30 days. Residents have taken to the streets to protest due to the lack of water and other issues related to power outages, reflecting their frustration and dissatisfaction with the indifference of the authorities.
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