The pumping of water in Urbano Noris, municipality of the province of Holguín, is halted, as acknowledged this Friday by the official Cuban press through a post from Radio SG La voz del Azúcar, which shared a statement from the director of the Urban Aqueduct and Sewage Business Unit (UEB) of Urbano Noris.
Yoluan Abreu Pupo, heading that entity, publicly explained the reasons for the paralysis: "At this time, the water pumping is halted due to a situation that has seriously affected the operation of our Water Treatment Plant."
The origin of the problem dates back to approximately four months ago—in April of this year—when the facility was robbed of the dielectric oil from one of its transformers. This incident left the plant without the essential electrical supply needed to operate: "As a result, we were without the electrical service necessary to ensure the functioning of the plant," acknowledged the executive.
The director of the UEB warned that this incident is not the only factor jeopardizing the supply: "In addition to this situation, we face historical challenges with the electricity service, which further complicate the stability of the pumping."
Abreu Pupo further detailed the geographical peculiarities that exacerbate the crisis: "Our municipality currently lacks a secure and nearby source of supply. Water must be pumped from the Cauto River, in the Júcaro area, located approximately 14.7 kilometers from the municipal center." To that distance, travel time must be added: "From the moment pumping begins until the water reaches the distribution tanks, approximately 3 hours pass. For this reason, any interruption in the electrical system has a direct impact on the water supply to the population."
The municipality has more than 35,000 inhabitants, according to the most recent statistical data, the majority of whom live in urban areas. Local media reported in 2024 water distribution cycles of up to 70 days in Urbano Noris, a figure that illustrates the magnitude of the problem even before the theft that paralyzed the water treatment plant.
Regarding those responsible for the theft, the director of the UEB stated that "they are already detained and awaiting the corresponding sentence." The theft of dielectric oil from transformers leads the crimes against the electrical system in Holguín, driven by the shortage of fuel and the possibility of reselling the oil in the informal market. The authorities are processing it as sabotage with severe penalties, yet even so, they are unable to curb its occurrence.
Just a few weeks ago in the province, in the Mayarí area, more than 20,000 people were left without electricity after a similar theft.
The situation in Urbano Noris is part of an ongoing water crisis. In May 2025, more than 370,000 people were affected in Holguín, with Urbano Noris being one of the most impacted municipalities. On a national level, the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reported in May 2026 that millions of Cubans were facing severe access issues to drinking water.
Abreu Pupo concluded his message in the typical style of Cuban official propaganda, with the notion that they continue "working to restore pumping and recover, as soon as possible, the stability of the service." What a consolation after four months without regular water supply.
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