An example of "revolutionary" transformation has been provided by the government of Havana as part of its sanitation campaign by shutting down the lower floors of a building at risk of collapse that had accumulated waste.
This display of revolutionary engineering in Centro Habana seems to suggest that if the building collapses, the solution is to close the ground floor and brace for the worst.
However, the Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Centro Habana posted images of the change with the following post: “The corner of San Miguel and Belascoaín is being transformed, constituency # 50, Popular Council Dragones.”
"The lower levels of the old uninhabitable building, which caused social disorder and a large generation of solid waste, are being closed," the post adds.
For the government of Centro Habana, this is about responding "to a request from the population regarding what was once a dumping site for waste. On other occasions, work was done with manual resources, but it was necessary to intervene with mechanized means."
"Starting today, it will be a clean corner; new tanks are being installed," the post concludes with a hint of irony.
The "transformed" building has been in danger of collapse for years, according to complaints made by neighbors since 2020.
In September, the user Carlos Espinosa Betancourt shared in the group Facebook Maravilloso Malecón a report accompanied by striking images, describing the scene as “apocalyptic” and comparing it to a “zombie” scenario.
The publication was enhanced by the photographer Marta Rojas, who captured the extent of the neglect.
The situation has been ongoing for several years, while the passage of time only exacerbates the risk. The garbage, debris, and structural deterioration turn the property into a death trap, visible to everyone and met with indifference from local authorities.
An old story
Since February 2020, the official press has echoed the complaint made by Elvira López Pena, who wrote to the Acuse de Recibo section of Juventud Rebelde to express her concern about the danger that the construction status of the building poses to pedestrians and vehicles passing by.
"Heavy buses (like the P9 and P6 routes) and large trucks that shake the street pass through Belascoaín," noted the sender, who expressed concern about the danger this poses.
It is worth remembering that three minors, aged between 10 and 11 years, died in 2020 after a balcony fell on them at the intersection of Revillagigedo and Vives streets in the Jesús María neighborhood, an event that not only moved their family and local neighbors but also affected Cubans both on and off the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about Structural Issues and Waste Problems in Centro Habana
What is the current situation of the building at the corner of San Miguel and Belascoaín?
The building is at risk of collapse and the government has temporarily closed the lower levels as a measure to control the accumulation of waste. However, this action has been criticized for not addressing the underlying structural problem.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the risk of collapses in Havana?
The government has taken insufficient and often reactive measures in response to the collapses. The lack of maintenance and the absence of effective housing solutions have been critical points highlighted by the citizens, who report a lack of concrete responses from the State.
How does the accumulation of waste affect the structural crisis in Havana?
The accumulation of garbage exacerbates the problem of landslides by blocking drains and worsening the unsanitary conditions in the affected areas. This situation is intensified by the rains, which turn the streets into rivers of waste, jeopardizing the health and safety of the residents.
What have citizens expressed about the government's handling of this crisis?
Citizens have expressed their frustration and concern regarding the government's management in this crisis. Complaints on social media highlight the inaction and state neglect, as well as the lack of a comprehensive plan to prevent and respond to collapses and the accumulation of garbage.
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