Boca Ciega, a neighborhood located by one of the most beautiful beaches in East Havana, is in a state of alarming neglect. The YouTuber Alejandro, known for his channel Literalmente cubano, recently shared a video showcasing the abandonment suffered by the homes in Boca Ciega, a ghost neighborhood in the eastern part of the capital.
This community, in the 1950s, was home to private houses. It was a residential area in a prosperous coastal enclave but has transformed into a desolate scene. These vacation homes were mostly expropriated in 1960 by the regime. For a time, the authorities used them for vacation rentals for workers of state agencies. Then they took them away from the agencies and controlled them through the Ministry of Tourism, increasing the rental values.
At that point, they stopped being a "product for the enjoyment of workers" and became available to those who could afford them. However, this was not enough for the regime. The maintenance costs were high, and they ended up abandoning them, turning Boca Ciega into a ghost neighborhood.
The deterioration of these houses and apartments is evident. Structures that were once home to powerful families are now in ruins, with moldy, crumbling facades and collapsed roofs.
This situation is incomprehensible considering the housing crisis affecting the Cuban capital. Instead of utilizing these spaces to alleviate the housing deficit, the authorities have allowed the neighborhood to fall into oblivion.
Despite its prime location facing a beach with crystal-clear waters, Boca Ciega is not of interest to the Ministry of Tourism or local authorities today. The lack of maintenance and a strategy to revitalize the area has led Boca Ciega to become another symbol of the regime's neglect.
Understanding the Decline of Boca Ciega
Here are some questions and answers to help you better understand the situation in Boca Ciega and its implications.
Why was Boca Ciega abandoned?
The high maintenance costs and the regime's neglect led to the abandonment of Boca Ciega.
What was Boca Ciega used for after being expropriated in 1960?
The homes were initially used for vacation rentals for workers of state agencies before being taken over by the Ministry of Tourism.
Why is Boca Ciega's neglect considered incomprehensible?
It's considered incomprehensible due to the severe housing crisis in Havana, making it illogical to leave such potential living spaces in disrepair.