A mother from Rancho Veloz, in the Villa Clara municipality of Corralillo, publicly reported that an electric generator installed next to her home exposes her 10-year-old daughter, diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, to smoke, combustion gases, and constant noise. She claims that this situation exacerbates her daughter's health condition and prevents her from resting.
The complaint was posted on Facebook by Isnelys Balbin in the group "Gente de Corralillo," where she stated that she has unsuccessfully requested the relocation of the equipment to another location.
"I am going to report a crime, a crime that goes beyond the psychological warfare of survival, the desire to keep living despite the shortages," he wrote.
According to the explanation, the generator has been running since eight in the morning and, according to several comments on the post, it also continues to operate at night. The equipment is located next to the room of the minor, who suffers from cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
The mother claims that she reported the situation to local authorities and the responsible administration, but so far she has not received a response.
"I consider it a lack of respect. I shared my problems, and this is a violation of the right to live, the rights of childhood; it is a slow torture," he stated.
In the absence of solutions, she warned that she will continue to report the case.
"My complaint will continue to the United Nations if necessary," he stated.
"It's an abuse," neighbors acknowledge
Among the comments on the post, a user clarified that the generator does not belong to the Rancho Veloz bank, but to a private individual who lent it to ensure payment of pensions during the prolonged power outages.
"But it is still a tremendous abuse," he/she wrote.
The post received over 3,400 reactions and generated dozens of supportive comments for the family.
Some users recommended contacting the Ministry of Science, Technology, and the Environment (CITMA) or the Municipal Directorate of Hygiene and Epidemiology, stating that these institutions have intervened in similar situations.
"My grandmother experienced the same issue with the bank, and the only way to resolve the problem was through CITMA. The other entities washed their hands of it," shared an internet user.
An additional risk for a respiratory illness
Cystic fibrosis is a chronic disease that severely impairs lung function. Specialists warn that prolonged exposure to gases emitted by gasoline or diesel generators, particularly carbon monoxide and other pollutants, can pose an additional risk for individuals with respiratory illnesses, especially in children.
In addition to emissions, the constant noise from this equipment can impact the rest and quality of life of those living nearby.
The case occurs amid the prolonged energy crisis affecting Cuba. To maintain basic services during power outages, numerous state institutions have resorted to using generators, the installation of which near residences has sparked complaints in various areas.
Corralillo is among the municipalities most affected by power outages in Villa Clara over the past few weeks, and circuit 55 of Rancho Veloz has experienced some of the longest interruptions.
The situation also highlights the challenges faced by families of patients with cystic fibrosis on the island. Last April, mothers of children with this disease reported in Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey the shortage of medications, proper food, and the failure to deliver promised solar panels to protect medical equipment during blackouts.
Similar cases have been reported in other provinces. In June, a resident of Nuevo Vedado, in Havana, reported that an ETECSA generator was operating continuously next to her building, generating noise and emissions that were affecting the neighbors.
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