Residents of 8th Street, corner of G, in the Altamira neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba have reported another fire in a garbage dump, exacerbating the ongoing waste crisis facing the city. The fire occurred near a kerosene sales post, though that product has not been sold for quite some time, seemingly posing no explosion risk, local reporter Yosmany Mayeta shared via his Facebook page.
However, the smoke generated by the blaze is affecting local residents, who are decrying the lack of response from firefighters and the prolonged absence of communal services to collect the trash. This incident adds to a series of similar fires that have occurred in Santiago de Cuba in recent weeks.
In recent days, residents of the Las Flores Military Compound in the El Caney Council set fire to a garbage dump in protest of the accumulating waste in their community. Although it has not been confirmed whether the Altamira fire was intentional or accidental, the authorities' inaction has driven some residents to take drastic measures to draw attention to the garbage crisis in Santiago.
Mayeta has documented these events, citing repeated complaints from residents to the Directorate of Communal Services and other governmental bodies, without effective solutions being implemented. "This is the only way to get the firefighters to come, and then they clean the dumps," several affected individuals commented.
The garbage crisis in Santiago de Cuba is part of a broader issue affecting other cities across the country. In Havana, for instance, a recent study revealed that the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools of trash is left uncollected each day, creating an environment ripe for the spread of diseases.
Understanding the Waste Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
The following questions and answers provide further insight into the ongoing waste crisis in Santiago de Cuba, highlighting key aspects and responses from the affected communities.
What caused the recent fire in Altamira?
The exact cause of the fire in Altamira is unclear, though it occurred near a kerosene sales post. The fire might have been accidental or a deliberate act to protest the garbage accumulation.
How are local authorities responding to the waste crisis?
Local authorities have been criticized for their inaction. Residents have repeatedly complained to the Directorate of Communal Services and other governmental bodies, but effective solutions have yet to be implemented.
What measures are residents taking to address the garbage issue?
In some cases, residents have resorted to setting fire to garbage dumps to draw attention to the waste crisis and prompt a response from firefighters and communal services.
Is the waste crisis limited to Santiago de Cuba?
No, the waste crisis is a broader issue affecting other cities in Cuba, including Havana, where significant amounts of trash remain uncollected daily.