Yumilia Casadevall, a physician at the William Soler University Pediatric Hospital, published a desperate complaint about the inhumane conditions in which she lives, in a building located at the intersection of San Salvador and San Anselmo streets, Cerro municipality, Havana, which is at risk of collapsing due to the local government's inaction.
"After a rainy night, anyone who arrives at my house is frightened," warns the doctor in a chilling testimony she shared on social media.
Casadevall, who lives in that building alongside other families, asserts that the structure is severely damaged and that, despite multiple complaints and official promises, no substantial repairs have been made.
It states that the budget for demolition and restoration has been available on several occasions, but it has never been executed.
Havana is collapsing due to neglect. In the case of buildings, most of the time it is due to the negligence of state entities,” she declared.
Bureaucracy, abandonment, and negligence
The doctor recounts that in September 2024, she publicly revealed the situation of the building for the first time. The impact of that announcement triggered an immediate reaction from the authorities: "The next day, the budget and the demolition crew appeared. However, in November everything came to a halt and not a single brick has been moved since."
Since then, he has received vague or no responses from various entities such as the Cerro Government, the Municipal Housing Directorate, and the Provincial Directorate. They promise him a solution that never arrives.
The doctor asserts that there are several officials who are hindering the process, including Ileana Forcadez, former president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in El Cerro; Elena, the current mayor; and the municipal director of Housing, Yenía Leblanch Savón, whom she criticizes for her consistent absence from work.
“The budget for this year will be lost again on December 31. Into whose hands will it end up?” he asks, pointing out a recurring practice of diversion or disappearance of funds without accountability.
Without alternatives, without help, and without hope
The doctor also reported the harassment by the authorities, who have sent the head of the police sector and other security officials following her posts, although none have offered a real solution.
“After this, I don't want even the sector chief in front of my door. I am just defending my rights,” she wrote.
In a video shared alongside her complaint, it can be seen how rainwater runs down the walls of the home. The place is uninhabitable. These families, with children and elderly bed-bound individuals, have no choice but to stay there because the State does not provide them with an alternative place to move to, nor assistance to rebuild.
The working Cubans living in that building have no way out; they are at risk of being buried alive by their own home while they await assistance from the State.
The doctor concludes her testimony with a phrase that reflects the despair experienced by thousands of people in the country: “I have nowhere to go, nor money to leave, because unfortunately, my salary is not enough to eat, let alone to save.”
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Crisis in Cuba and the Report by Dr. Yumilia Casadevall
Why did Yumilia Casadevall report the condition of her home?
Yumilia Casadevall reported the condition of her home due to the inhumane conditions and the risk of collapse of the building where she resides. Despite multiple complaints and promises of repairs from the government, no significant work has been done to improve the structure, putting the families living there in danger.
What is the role of the Cuban government in the current housing crisis?
The Cuban government has been criticized for its inefficiency and inaction in resolving the housing crisis. Despite the availability of budgets for repairs, these are not being executed, and the deterioration of the homes continues. The lack of maintenance and corruption are factors that exacerbate the situation.
What are the consequences of the lack of building maintenance in Havana?
The lack of maintenance of buildings in Havana has led to a series of collapses that have resulted in injuries, loss of life, and left many families homeless. This situation is part of a chronic housing crisis that is worsened by government negligence and the lack of resources allocated for housing repairs.
What obstacles does Yumilia Casadevall face in her fight for safe housing?
Yumilia Casadevall confronts bureaucracy and the indifference of authorities in her struggle for safe housing. She has reported the inaction of local government officials and has faced harassment from the authorities without receiving concrete solutions for her critical housing situation.
What is the general situation of housing in Cuba according to recent reports?
The housing situation in Cuba is critical, with buildings at risk of collapse and a housing construction program that is failing to meet its objectives. The shortage of construction materials and the prioritization of investments in tourism over the housing needs of the population exacerbate this crisis.
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