Over 100,000 residents were left without water for more than 48 hours in the city of Ciego de Ávila due to a break in one of the main water pipes. The incident occurred in the afternoon of May 24 on an 800-millimeter diameter pipeline located at the exit of the Tanque Apoyado pump station, which supplies water to the city's southern zone, according to a report by the official newspaper Invasor.
This breakage also led to a suspension of service in the northern zone as the network is interconnected. The report stated that repairs were completed at 9 PM on May 26, with the replacement pipe provided by the CiegoPlast Pipe Factory. Workers from the Cuito Cuanavale Hydraulic Maintenance and Rehabilitation Company and the Bécquer Construction Mipyme were involved in replacing the damaged section using thermofusion welding techniques.
Invasor highlighted the efforts of those involved in the repair, noting that they had the support of the highest political and governmental authorities of the province and municipality. The issue of water supply is a daily concern for Cubans. Currently, due to power outages, at least 700,000 people do not receive water daily, as the hydraulic sector is the second-largest consumer of electricity after residential demand, according to official sources.
While the number of people who lack daily water service due to power outages is alarming, only half of the Cuban population receives water consistently. The rest suffer from various issues such as drought, lack of distribution networks, breakages, and corruption. Towns like Trinidad in the province of Sancti Spíritus are exposed to corruption in water supply. A report by Escambray highlighted that citizens face irregularities ranging from gatekeepers manipulating valves for their benefit to water trucks not reaching their destinations and being sold for 3,000 to 5,000 pesos.
Another significant issue is water leaks, which are common across Cuba due to the poor quality of pipes. Recently, residents in the municipality of Manzanillo in the province of Granma experienced significant stress due to a water leak that reached five meters and caused damage to nearby homes. This incident was caused by a break in the main pipeline on Tomás Barrero Street between Martí and Mártires de Viet Nam streets in the mentioned municipality. Images shared showed the large proportions of the water leak, which left residents "astonished" as they tried in vain to "contain the fury of the water."
Water Supply Issues in Cuba: Key Questions Answered
The recent pipeline break in Ciego de Ávila has highlighted ongoing issues with water supply in Cuba. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers on this critical topic.
What caused the water outage in Ciego de Ávila?
A break in an 800-millimeter diameter pipeline at the Tanque Apoyado pump station led to the outage.
How long did the repair take?
The repair was completed within 48 hours, concluding at 9 PM on May 26.
Who was involved in the repair work?
Workers from Cuito Cuanavale Hydraulic Maintenance and Rehabilitation Company and the Bécquer Construction Mipyme were involved.
What are the broader issues with water supply in Cuba?
Broader issues include power outages, poor quality of pipes, drought, lack of distribution networks, and corruption.