Following the June 22 fire, residents of the Girón building in Vedado, Havana, recalled their numerous complaints about the poor condition of the structure and criticized the lack of governmental attention to the deteriorating infrastructure and electrical systems.
Upon learning the results of the fire investigation, which determined that a short circuit caused the blaze, the building's residents expressed their dissatisfaction. They had long warned of these issues, but their concerns were ignored until it reached a critical point, endangering lives and property.
"The wiring had problems even before the fire," confirmed Ana, a neighbor, to Martí Noticias. She pointed out that a major repair was supposedly scheduled two years ago, but the crew left shortly after starting and "took all the materials with them."
According to Ana, "The short circuit occurred inside the cavity of one of those rooms... the fire spread from one room to another until it reached the first floor."
The residents, nearly 600 people, revealed widespread electrical issues and leaks in most apartments. They noted that "the stair railings are broken. Everything deteriorates over time if no maintenance is done," they affirmed.
After the fire, authorities "detected" the damages and assured they would work on them "as much as possible," according to a report from Cuban state television.
The fire, which occurred on a Saturday, saw a prompt response from the city's firefighters, while regime authorities closely monitored the firefighting efforts. The Municipal Administration Council of Plaza de la Revolución alerted Habaneros via a social media message.
The following day, the local government issued an official statement detailing the building's situation, leaving several questions about management and transparency unanswered. The statement highlighted the return of residents to their homes but did not provide details on the conditions or safety of the building.
Comprising two 17-story towers connected by a central elevator core linked to the stairs by horizontal circulation tubes, the 132-apartment building was designed in 1967 by architects Antonio Quintana and Alberto Rodríguez Surribas.
Key Issues with Girón Building in Havana
Here are some critical questions and answers regarding the recent fire and the ongoing issues with the Girón building in Havana.
What caused the fire in the Girón building?
The fire was caused by a short circuit within one of the rooms, which then spread to other areas of the building.
What issues have residents complained about?
Residents have complained about poor electrical systems, leaks, broken stair railings, and general deterioration due to a lack of maintenance.
What actions have authorities promised to take?
Authorities have pledged to address the damages "as much as possible," but details on specific measures and timelines have not been provided.