The residents of Santiago de Cuba are grappling with a critical situation, enduring lengthy lines to access essential services such as withdrawing cash from ATMs, public transportation, and purchasing liquefied gas, which has led to growing discontent among the population.
The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) raised an alert on their Facebook page last Wednesday, highlighting the worsening conditions in the southeastern city, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to access all essential services. "Long lines for everything, for withdrawing money from ATMs, for transportation, for acquiring liquefied gas," the organization noted, denouncing the daily ordeal faced by Santiago's residents.
A video shared by the OCDH shows massive crowds at various regime-run establishments, along with the frustration it generates among the people. Access to cash through ATMs or bank tellers remains a severe issue for the inhabitants of Santiago de Cuba, and the regime has yet to find an effective solution to this problem.
At the bank located at the intersection of Garzón and Third Street in the Santa Bárbara district, people spend the night and early morning hours in line to access the limited cash available when the bank opens the next day.
Last June, a group of mothers endured interminable lines in Santiago de Cuba to buy ground meat that the regime sold for children in celebration of Children's Day on June 1st.
Journalist Yosmany Mayeta reported on Facebook that residents of the Chicharrones and Flores neighborhoods denounced the mismanagement in the sale of ground meat at the "Fin de Año" store located in Chicharrones Park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santiago's Service Shortages
The current situation in Santiago de Cuba regarding access to essential services has raised many questions among the residents and those following the developments. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What are some of the critical services affected in Santiago de Cuba?
Residents are facing difficulties accessing cash from ATMs, public transportation, and purchasing liquefied gas, among other essential services.
How has the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) responded to the situation?
The OCDH has raised awareness on social media, alerting the public about the worsening conditions and highlighting the daily struggles faced by the residents of Santiago de Cuba.
What specific incidents have been reported regarding the mismanagement of services?
Incidents include residents spending the night in line to withdraw cash and mothers enduring long lines to purchase ground meat for Children's Day, among other instances of service mismanagement.