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A specialist in architecture and engineering recently reported on the deterioration of the General Lacret Morlot Bridge, a symbol of the city of Matanzas built in 1878, while steel pieces were being mounted on its right sidewalk, as evidence that the repair work is progressing only partially and inadequately.
Ramón Recondo Pérez, a specialist from the Architecture and Engineering Project Company of Matanzas, shared through his Facebook profile photographs that show deep cracks in the walls of the bridge, severe erosion due to moisture, and an invasive ficus growing on the left approach towards the Versailles side, which threatens the structure.
"Preserving heritage is everyone's responsibility, and there are actions that only require the will and involvement of those in charge and decision-makers," wrote Recondo, who asked bluntly: "Are there no responsible eyes to see this?"
The General Lacret Morlot Bridge, regarded as the first iron bridge in Cuba, was inaugurated on November 4, 1878, and connects the Versalles district with the city center across the Yumurí River, serving as the only road link for that area.
The report reveals that a repair announced urgently in May 2025 has made no significant progress for eight months.
Citizen Leo Ernesto García Ramos confirmed in the comments: "The repairs on the iconic bridge are not making any progress. I have thousands of photos from the last 8 months, and it's the same— they're fixing the sidewalk that faces the Bay, and the one that's being used is also not usable."
The accumulated frustration of citizens over the years was reflected in the chain of comments on the post.
María J. Rosales López was straightforward in expressing that "many years ago the bridges should have been repaired; they are all in poor condition. The issue is that here in Matanzas, there has been no political will from any leader, nor have they shown love for this province."
Ana Margarita Fernández Arregoitia warned that "soon we will have to build rafts to travel from Versailles to the city because with such carelessness and lack of maintenance, our famous and emblematic bridge, as well as its beautiful towers representing our city, will no longer exist."
The architect Lázaro José Capdevilla de Armas stated that "not everyone who looks sees" and urged professionals to report and propose solutions, before asking: "The situation of many National and local Monuments is concerning. I don't want to engage in catharsis, I just wonder, how long will this last?"
Cari Padilla summarized the collective sentiment with a phrase that closes the debate: "There are no worse eyes than those that refuse to see. And if it continues like this, our city will die with us. We will have the priceless merit of having known how to destroy it."
In April, another complaint from Recondo drew attention to how institutional indifference allows a bush to destroy the facade of the José White Hall, in the very Athens of Cuba.
A few days ago, the official newspaper Girón drew attention to how the Calle del Medio in the Historical Center of Matanzas suffers from motorcycles, garbage, and theft despite the Urban Regulations approved in March.
Meanwhile, the local television reported that the Armando Carnot playground has lost its fence and its historical plaque without any action taken by the authorities.
The pattern is repeating beyond Matanzas. The sculptures in Plaza La Marqueta in Holguín are also in danger, amidst a widespread deterioration of Cuban heritage that institutions are not stopping.
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