A group of Cuban transporters stopped in the middle of a damaged road to fill the potholes with bags of gravel and stones before they could continue on their way, as shown in a video shared on Facebook by the user Reinaldo Trotman.
The clip shows several men loading bags of debris from a bus. Then, in a coordinated manner, they cover the holes in what several internet users identify as the Las Tunas-Bayamo stretch in eastern Cuba.
"Let's all make a contribution here as transporters so we can get through, as the situation is chaotic," explains one of those involved.
"A good deed so that we can arrive safely in Havana," a woman recording can be heard saying.
"Look at what the Cuban has to do, look at this size; this is a disaster," questions a young man.
One of the drivers asks his colleagues to "not say anything strange around here," in an apparent reference to the fear of retaliation for criticizing the regime. An internet user confirmed this in the comments: "We have more fear than hunger."
Another user warned that the initiative could have legal consequences: "I wanted to do that once and they wanted to fine me."
The reactions to the post reflect a mix of admiration and frustration. Several users praised the solidarity of the transport workers: "That's my cousin, trying to improve the streets ourselves. In my block, I did it with my husband and neighbors, for everyone's benefit. Let's do more, each one contributing their bit."
But most pointed directly at the State as responsible for the neglect. "What a lack of respect for this people. Nothing works in Cuba. How many officials go through there and no one cares about fixing that road?" one wrote. Another raised the fiscal paradox: "All vehicles are taxed for road repairs. Where is that money?"
Some pointed out the economic motivation behind the gesture: "He cares about the country, but he also knows that if he doesn't fill it up, he can't make money from the tickets."
Technical warnings were not absent: "Those debris used as filler in the potholes, being loose, pose a danger on the road with rain and traffic. The intention is very good, but the results not so much."
Some were skeptical: "The intention is good, but in two hours there won't be a single stone left in that hole." And another commented, "If they're going to fill in all the holes, they'll never make it to Havana."
An internet user who identified as a foreigner located the holes "between Guantánamo and Santiago" and promised to do the same on his next visit to the Island. Another was more damning: "What you see in Cuba is not seen anywhere else. In all countries, it is the government that has to guarantee roads, hospitals, housing, and much more."
"The streets are not fixed because they have no owner and because the leaders steal the budget," said a commentator. "The road will be rebuilt in a soon-to-be free Cuba. We appreciate your efforts, but a country does not progress in small increments," emphasized another.
The deterioration of Cuba's roadways is a reality that drivers confront daily on streets and highways. The Ministry of Transportation acknowledged before the National Assembly in July 2024 that only 22.3% of the planned pothole repairs had been executed in the first half of that year, with 12 out of 25 asphalt plants currently halted.
By mid-2025, 75% of the country's roads were still in fair or poor condition, according to official data.
In August, a huge hole at the exit of the highway (Ocho Vías) was reported on the section of the road connecting Guanajay with the Caimito Bridge in Artemisa. The hole covered almost the entire roadway and was deep enough to trap a vehicle with no way to escape.
Filed under: