Father Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz has raised concerns about the unsanitary conditions plaguing the San Judas and San Nicolás Church in Central Havana. The local community routinely dumps trash on the sidewalks and streets, but the government fails to collect the waste.
The sanitary crisis that this community faces due to the uncontrolled accumulation of garbage is alarming. In his statements, the priest emphasized the "negligence and indifference" in addressing this severe problem, describing it as a "disrespect to healthy coexistence."
Father Zayas described the current state of the church and its surroundings as "unbearable," noting that the contamination is causing illnesses in much of Central Havana. "I am very concerned about the sanitary situation... and the church's condition keeps worsening. The side entrance is blocked, and now the front entrance is at risk as well. Trash is being dumped everywhere. We feel powerless. There is garbage all around. The high temperatures, the smell, and hundreds of flies are a severe health hazard,” stated the community's priest.
The images shared by Father Zayas depict a growing trash heap alongside the church's walls, in the middle of the street, and in front of the homes of dozens of families.
This situation is indicative of a broader issue affecting not only Central Havana but the entire city and, according to reports, other provinces across the country. A study by Cuba Siglo 21 warns that Havana has become a "critical hotspot of sanitary insecurity" due to the proliferation of street-side dumps. The regime fails to collect the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools of garbage daily in the capital.
This situation encourages the presence of rats and mosquitoes and the rise of diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis. Additionally, urban dumps are prone to fires due to methane gas production.
The accumulation of trash not only affects public health but also diminishes the property value of neighborhoods. According to the report "Havana, Capital of Waste" by Cuba Siglo 21, the degradation of these areas reflects a crisis in social norms and increases the community's criminal potential.
This situation, according to studies, is also linked to the rise in crime in the nation's capital.
The complaint from Father Lester Rafael Zayas Díaz highlights the urgent need for an effective response from authorities to tackle this serious problem that affects the quality of life for residents of Central Havana and other regions of Cuba.
Impact of Uncollected Trash in Havana
The article raises key issues regarding the uncollected trash in Havana and its impact on public health and community well-being. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide further insight.
What are the health risks associated with the uncollected trash in Central Havana?
The health risks include the spread of diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis, as well as increased presence of pests like rats and mosquitoes, which are vectors for these diseases.
How does the accumulation of garbage affect property values in Havana?
The accumulation of garbage leads to the degradation of neighborhoods, which in turn lowers property values and reflects a crisis in social norms.
What has been the response of the authorities to this issue?
The authorities have shown negligence and indifference in addressing the problem, failing to collect the trash and thus worsening the sanitary conditions.