In yet another example of the dire condition of many buildings in Havana, a video circulating on social media shows a wall on the brink of collapse near the central "El Curita" park. The structure, located on Dragones Street between Galiano and Águila, is completely dilapidated and poses a significant danger to pedestrians, as highlighted in a report by Martí Noticias on Facebook.
The area is highly trafficked due to its proximity to Galiano and Reina streets, exacerbating the risk given the building's deteriorating columns and beams. This situation underscores the broader housing crisis in Havana, a phenomenon that extends across the entire country.
Recent Collapses Highlight Growing Crisis
On Tuesday, part of the interior façade of the Higher Institute of Design (ISDi) in Havana, which had been propped up and closed off since 2022, collapsed, according to digital newspaper CubaNet. The university authorities, located in Central Havana, communicated the event in the morning via WhatsApp groups for students and professors, according to an anonymous source cited by the independent media outlet.
Additionally, three people were injured in a collapse that occurred on June 21 in the capital, where a balcony fell onto a café in the central El Vedado area. The tragic accident took place at El Tablazo Café, located on 1st Street between C and D streets.
Cuban citizen Ismael Ramos Suárez was hospitalized at Calixto García Hospital due to injuries sustained from a roof collapse in Old Havana following heavy rains last weekend. The Municipal Administration Council (CAM) reported on Facebook that Ramos, 55, received first aid from firefighters on the scene after suffering injuries to his leg and arm.
Two weeks ago, part of the façade and roof of a house on Cerro Avenue in Havana collapsed, adding to the series of recent building failures in Cuba. The 19th-century two-story house, located at 1360 Cerro Avenue between Patria and Saravia streets, had been at risk of collapsing for many years, according to local residents.
Understanding Havana's Building Crisis
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ongoing building crisis in Havana, which may provide further insights into the situation.
What is causing the frequent building collapses in Havana?
The frequent building collapses in Havana are primarily due to the lack of maintenance and the deteriorating infrastructure of old buildings. The economic situation in Cuba has led to insufficient resources for proper upkeep and renovation.
How are authorities responding to these incidents?
Authorities often respond by providing immediate medical assistance and sometimes evacuating affected buildings. However, long-term solutions and preventive measures are often lacking due to resource constraints.
What can residents do to protect themselves?
Residents should report any signs of structural damage to local authorities and avoid areas that appear to be at risk of collapse. It's crucial to stay informed through reliable news sources about the state of buildings in their vicinity.