Residents in Santiago de Cuba are raising the alarm over a month-long sewage blockage impacting their building. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada reported the dire situation on Facebook, highlighting the plight of those living in Building 2 on the Punta Gorda Highway, in the Nuevo Van Van neighborhood of the Altamira popular council.
"The filthy water is killing us," residents lamented to the reporter. Mayeta Labrada detailed that the building houses 10 apartments, primarily occupied by elderly individuals and young children, with those on the ground floor suffering the most as sewage water backs up through their bathrooms.
The journalist shared a video illustrating the crisis faced by a humble woman living on the ground floor, who must remove dirty water from her home daily. "We can't live in this filth. We've been struggling for a month, and the sewage system is overflowing. The bathroom, the house..." the woman protested.
"I am an elderly person with two children sick with dengue fever. One of them is even hospitalized, and yet nothing is being done to clean the sewage system," she added. As she dumped a bucket of water in the yard, which is overrun with putrid waste, she showed the central sewage system of the building, completely overwhelmed, with dirty water flowing into the apartments.
"Oh my God, nobody cares about us. Lord, put your mighty hand over us," she pleaded.
In conclusion, Mayeta Labrada demanded that the Water and Sewer Company Aguas Santiago and the health, government, and Party authorities of the province address this issue immediately.
FAQs on Santiago de Cuba's Sewage Crisis
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the ongoing sewage crisis in Santiago de Cuba, providing more insight into the situation.
What is causing the sewage blockage in Santiago de Cuba?
The blockage is caused by an obstruction in the sewage system of a building in the Nuevo Van Van neighborhood, which has not been addressed for over a month.
Who is most affected by the sewage problem?
The residents on the ground floor are the most affected, including elderly individuals and young children, as sewage water backs up through their bathrooms.
What actions have residents taken?
Residents have been removing dirty water from their homes daily and have been vocal about the issue, seeking help from local authorities and the Water and Sewer Company Aguas Santiago.
What has been the response from the authorities?
As of now, there has been no effective response from the health, government, or Party authorities to resolve the sewage blockage.