A Cuban responded strongly to the recent statements of Miguel Díaz-Canel, who on Monday presented a public list of the neighborhoods in Havana that did not participate in the garbage collection day called by the regime.
During a meeting with high-ranking state officials, the government, and the Communist Party, the leader criticized delegates and political coordinators from various neighborhoods in the capital, including the municipalities of Diez de Octubre, Playa, and La Lisa, where allegedly there was no citizen participation in the sanitation efforts.
“Don't we have district delegates in those places? Are there no political coordinators? Well, let them all come to account, with names and surnames,” demanded Díaz-Canel.
In response to this stance, a social media user expressed their outrage and reminded the president that it is he who must be held accountable to the country for the collapse of public services and the rise of poverty.
The only one who has to answer is you, who has a country plunged into absolute misery," said the man.
He also recalled that the president is known for wearing a "Rolex watch that no average Cuban can afford" and emphasized "the entire boutique of La Machi (Lis Cuesta), plus the millions they have tucked away in foreign accounts."
"All your leaders have enough to buy garbage trucks, fix the thermoelectric plants, and provide food for the people. You have people dying of hunger and stress. Just let Cubans live with dignity and leave with your millions. Long live a free Cuba! No more dictatorship!" said the man.
The comment was widely shared and reflects the growing public discontent over the abandonment experienced by many Cubans, who are facing a serious health crisis due to the accumulation of waste, a lack of food, constant blackouts, and inflation that erodes family incomes.
The cleanup operation collected over 35,000 cubic meters of garbage. Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the problem is far from resolved as the efforts made over the weekend barely covered around 300 districts throughout Havana.
The regime acknowledged that more than one thousand districts remain uncleaned and that there is no sustainable plan to address the serious waste crisis in the city.
Various voices both inside and outside the country have questioned the official rhetoric, which blames the population for problems that, they assert, are a direct consequence of the inefficiency of the state apparatus and the partisan use of public resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Waste Crisis in Havana and the Management of the Cuban Government
What is the current situation of garbage collection in Havana?
Garbage collection in Havana remains a serious problem, with more than a thousand districts still uncleaned, despite the government's efforts that have only covered a minimal fraction of the city. The lack of a sustainable plan exacerbates the health crisis in the Cuban capital.
Why is there so much waste accumulation in Havana?
The accumulation of waste in Havana is due to various factors, including a shortage of trucks and fuel, lack of personnel, and government inefficiency. The government blames the population for not participating in cleanup efforts, but many citizens and experts point out that the problem is a direct consequence of inefficient state management.
How have Cuban citizens reacted to Díaz-Canel's statements?
The statements made by Miguel Díaz-Canel have been met with outrage by many Cubans, who feel that the government is attempting to shift the blame for the crisis onto the population. Citizens demand that the government take responsibility and provide real solutions instead of resorting to volunteer work without resources or planning.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the waste crisis?
The government has mobilized state workers, recruits, and police for the cleaning efforts, but it has not presented a sustainable long-term plan. The actions have been limited to specific operations that do not address the structural causes of the problem.
What is the impact of the waste crisis on the daily lives of Havana residents?
The accumulation of garbage in Havana has led to a health crisis with risks of diseases. Citizens are also facing power outages, lack of water, and food shortages, making the situation unsustainable and increasing social discontent.
Filed under:
