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The government of Havana has requested not to throw away trash since “the trash goblin does not exist.”
In a Facebook post from the Council of the Plaza de la Revolución, it says “if your strategy to get rid of trash is to throw it in the street hoping that the: ‘cleanliness elf’ will make it disappear... we have bad news, the elf doesn’t exist‼️”
"There are people who work to collect it, but their effort doubles when we do not cooperate. The trash on the street belongs to all of us, but the solution starts with one. Stop contributing to the problem and be part of the solution," they added.
The government publication has been commented on by many Havana residents, who remind the regime that the problem of garbage overwhelming the city is linked to its inability to maintain a waste collection service.
"Here on Calle 9 between F and G, the garbage bin is huge... They haven't picked up anything in a long time," a resident from Havana reminded.
"And when is the goblin going to come to pick it up?" another one scoffed.
This weekend, the regime called for a sanitation day after weeks of images of streets filled with garbage, makeshift dumps, and neighborhood protests due to the lack of waste collection.
Miguel Díaz-Canel published a video this weekend showing him sweeping leaves in the gardens of the Palace of the Revolution, accompanied by several ministers and officials, as part of that "cleaning campaign" convened in Havana.
In his message, the leader asserted that “there are people who believe that others should solve the problem for them,” referring to the lack of citizen participation in the campaign. Displaying his political cynicism, the occupant of the Palace held the “people” responsible for his failure as the head of an executive that is leading the country to the abyss.
Havana, along with other cities in the country, is facing a collapse in public services due to a shortage of trucks, fuel, and personnel, as well as a lack of efficient management.
In recent months, the government has sought to involve various state and private actors in waste collection.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Trash Collection Crisis in Havana
What is the main problem with garbage collection in Havana?
The main problem with waste collection in Havana is the inefficiency of the collection service. This is due to a shortage of trucks, fuel, and personnel, as well as poor management. This situation has led to the accumulation of waste in the streets, which poses a significant health and environmental issue.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the waste crisis?
The Cuban government has called for hygiene campaigns and mobilized state workers, recruits, and police in an attempt to clean the city. However, these measures have been deemed insufficient, and no long-term sustainable plan has been presented. Additionally, efforts have been made to involve both state and private actors in waste management.
How has the Cuban population reacted to the government's waste management?
The Cuban population has reacted with criticism and expressions of frustration towards the government for its inability to manage waste collection efficiently. Many citizens blame the government for shifting responsibilities onto the people and believe that the measures taken are more symbolic than effective, while facing issues of unsanitary conditions and social discontent.
What has Miguel Díaz-Canel said about the garbage situation in Havana?
Miguel Díaz-Canel has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that a collective effort is needed to resolve it. However, he has been criticized for shifting the responsibility of the problem onto the citizens and failing to present effective structural solutions. His statements have been interpreted as a sign of disconnection from the reality of Cubans.
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