In recent hours, frustration over the inefficient garbage collection in Santiago de Cuba has reached a boiling point. According to reports shared by journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on his Facebook page, residents have started setting fire to the trash piles accumulating in their neighborhoods as a form of protest.
One of the most recent incidents occurred in Reparto Ateneo, part of the Consejo Popular Vista Hermosa. In this area, several trash heaps, which had been previously reported, were set ablaze, creating an environment of tension and danger for the residents. Mayeta Labrada noted that these garbage piles are located in front of schools, butcher shops, and private homes, increasing the concern among the neighbors.
The situation is recurring in different parts of the city. On Calle Gasómetro, at the corner of Calle 10 de Trocha, another garbage pile was set on fire. Only after Mayeta Labrada's page reported the situation did authorities arrive to clean up the affected area.
The problem of accumulating garbage has intensified in Santiago de Cuba, resulting in growing discontent among the population. Recently, there have been reports of garbage fires, such as the incident in the Mantilla neighborhood of Havana on August 1, where a trash pile caught fire and worried residents. In Santiago, particularly in Reparto Ateneo, images show the persistent issue of small and large garbage piles near schools and homes. The inefficient waste management by Servicios Comunales has driven Santiago residents to set garbage fires as a desperate measure to address the city's severe sanitary crisis.
Public Health Concerns Amidst Waste Management Crisis
In addition to the garbage crisis, the management of Servicios Comunales was recently questioned when an artistic gala was held in Santiago amid the accumulation of trash throughout the city. Citizen reports, like those from Yosmany Mayeta Labrada, have highlighted unsanitary conditions in several communities where the increase in garbage piles has coincided with outbreaks of dengue and the Oropouche virus. Since June, concerns have grown, with residents of Altamira reporting garbage piles next to schools and daycare centers, exacerbating the health risks for children and adults.
The issue is not confined to Santiago but affects other Cuban cities as well. In Havana, a recent study shows that the government fails to collect the equivalent of three Olympic-sized pools of garbage each day, creating a breeding ground for diseases. On July 24, it was reported that the Provincial Directorate of Servicios Comunales is facing a crisis due to a lack of equipment, further worsening the public health situation. Amid this critical context, the Cuban government's recent search for foreign investment aims to mitigate the waste management crisis, although no effective solutions have been implemented so far, and citizen complaints about this issue continue to mount.
Frequently Asked Questions on Santiago de Cuba's Waste Management Crisis
The ongoing waste management crisis in Santiago de Cuba has raised several questions among residents and observers. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers:
Why are residents of Santiago de Cuba setting garbage fires?
Residents are setting garbage fires as a form of protest against the inefficient garbage collection by Servicios Comunales, which has led to unsanitary conditions and potential health risks.
What health risks are associated with the garbage accumulation?
The accumulation of garbage has led to outbreaks of diseases such as dengue and the Oropouche virus, particularly in areas where trash piles up near schools and residential areas.
Has the government taken any steps to resolve the waste management crisis?
While the Cuban government is seeking foreign investment to address the waste management crisis, no effective solutions have been implemented so far, and the situation continues to deteriorate.