Government authorities in Santiago de Cuba have decided to honor the efforts of sanitation workers even as garbage overflows the streets of the eastern province. Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada highlighted this issue on Facebook, reporting that there was "an artistic-cultural gala featuring comedian Kike Quiñones, followed by tents and beer kegs set up around the Heredia Theater."
Mayeta pointed out that all of this happened "while the city drowns in trash" and the management remains ineffective. "As they parade to the rhythm of the Santiago conga and drink several jugs of beer, the trash keeps piling up, and people continue to wait for their problems to be solved—something that, for now, seems to have no happy ending," wrote the activist.
Just a few days ago, residents of the Altamira and Villalón neighborhoods complained about the unsanitary conditions where they live due to the accumulation of garbage in the streets, as communal services fail to systematically collect the trash. This situation has persisted for several months. Back in April, a man refuted claims that Santiago de Cuba is one of the cleanest cities in the country, showing and denouncing the garbage dumps that proliferate in the historic center of the city.
The video features a male voice walking through various streets of the city while filming the accumulation of solid waste mixed with sewage, according to Mayeta’s Facebook post. This is happening just as the island faces a complicated epidemiological situation, with the Oropouche virus and dengue fever hitting a healthcare system already marked by crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sanitation Issues in Santiago de Cuba
Given the current sanitation crisis in Santiago de Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more context and information about the situation.
What triggered the sanitation crisis in Santiago de Cuba?
The crisis has been exacerbated by the failure of communal services to systematically collect trash, leading to significant garbage accumulation in various neighborhoods.
How are the residents reacting to the trash problem?
Residents have expressed their frustration and concern over the unsanitary conditions, with many taking to social media to voice their complaints and highlight the severity of the situation.
What are the health risks associated with the garbage accumulation?
The unsanitary conditions pose significant health risks, including the spread of diseases like the Oropouche virus and dengue fever, which are already impacting the island’s healthcare system.