Faced with a lack of resources and the inefficiency of the Havana government in collecting solid waste that litters the streets of the capital, a private company has been contracted to improve garbage collection in several municipalities of the province.
In the case of Cerro, the Administrative Council has partnered with the micro, small, and medium enterprise (Mipyme) Talleres Delis to enhance communal hygiene, according to the state-run Canal Habana. The main contribution of this private venture appears to be the improvement of the equipment fleet involved in garbage collection, with a focus on the main avenues of the area, the state media outlet reports.
The mayor of that municipality, Elena Luis, specified that the agreement will be tested for a month to evaluate its results. The collection brigades will operate starting at 6:00 p.m. from Calzada de Boyeros to Monte and along Ayestarán.
According to the official, the population is instructed and ordered to deposit solid waste in designated areas only after 6:00 p.m.
The severe crisis in garbage collection in the Cuban capital has been highlighted in videos and images circulated on social media in recent months. Recently, a post on Instagram by user Juan Juan Almeida showed the corner of Lealtad and San Lázaro in Centro Habana turned into a massive dump. Followers of Juan Juan claimed that "all of Cuba looks like this" and questioned the government's intentions to "promote tourism on the island" amidst so much street litter. "I wonder what tourist would want to come here if Cuba is a total mess," commented one user.
Another social media user shared the closure of a street in the municipality of Diez de Octubre due to accumulated garbage, highlighting the regime's inaction in addressing this problem.
With his usual sarcasm and wit, Cuban comedian Jardiel González has criticized the growing unsanitary conditions in Havana and the leaders' incompetence in solving the issue.
Questions and Answers on Havana's Garbage Collection Crisis
Addressing the ongoing issues with garbage collection in Havana, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more insights into the situation.
Why has the Havana government hired a private company for garbage collection?
Due to a lack of resources and inefficiency in collecting solid waste, the Havana government has contracted a private company to improve garbage collection in several municipalities.
What is the role of Talleres Delis in this initiative?
Talleres Delis, a micro, small, and medium enterprise (Mipyme), will primarily improve the fleet of equipment used in garbage collection, focusing on main avenues in the area.
How will the effectiveness of this initiative be evaluated?
The agreement with Talleres Delis will be tested for a month to assess its results. Collection brigades will operate starting at 6:00 p.m. from Calzada de Boyeros to Monte and along Ayestarán.
What has been the public reaction to the garbage collection crisis?
Public reaction has been widely negative, with social media users highlighting the extensive garbage accumulation and questioning the government's ability to promote tourism amidst such conditions.