The government of Havana has cleared the massive dumpsite in the Luyanó neighborhood following a social media contest organized by an activist. The event, dubbed "Show Your Block," was spontaneously launched in late August by a Facebook user identified as Edmundo Dantés Junior, who urged citizens to post photos of the trash heaps that have become a common sight in their communities.
Images shared by Cuban internet users exposed the harsh reality in areas across the country. From Cayo Hueso in Havana to Guantánamo, residents uploaded pictures of mountains of waste blocking sidewalks, invading streets, and creating an unsanitary environment for those living in these areas.
Apparently, the unusual contest caught the attention of Havana authorities, as inferred by one of the participants who sent the activist images of the cleanup of the dumpsite she had reported. “They cleaned up one of the largest dumpsites we had in the contest. Before and after photos,” said Edmundo Dantés Junior on Tuesday, sharing the images sent by a user identified as Rosie Kev. “Well, it served some purpose. They cleaned it this morning,” the internet user expressed.
The enormous dumpsite in question was located at the park on Fábrica and Justicia streets in Luyanó. Rosie Kev's shared image showed the accumulation of trash and waste forming an “L” shape around the corner.
The park houses a children's play area and frequently hosts street vendors selling food products, making the piling up of garbage even more concerning and infuriating as it posed a threat to the environment’s sanitation.
This peculiar contest reflected not only Cuban ingenuity in facing adversities but also the severe sanitary conditions affecting multiple communities. As noted by CiberCuba in the comments on the post, participants hoped that social media visibility would pressure authorities to take urgent measures to resolve a problem jeopardizing public health and quality of life on the island.
Judging by the cleanup at the park on Fábrica and Justicia streets in Luyanó, Havana authorities took note of the public outcry and acted accordingly.
However, in recent days, the lack of resources and care in the workplace in Cuba was exposed in a video that highlighted the conditions of Havana’s Communal Services workers, who were collecting trash without gloves, proper tools, or other protective gear.
Impact of Social Media Activism on Public Services in Cuba
In light of the recent social media contest that led to the cleanup of a massive dumpsite in Havana, several questions have emerged about the effectiveness of such activism in prompting government action. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
How did the "Show Your Block" contest start?
The contest was spontaneously launched by a Facebook user named Edmundo Dantés Junior, who encouraged citizens to post photos of trash heaps in their communities.
What was the reaction of Havana authorities to the contest?
Havana authorities took notice and cleaned up one of the largest dumpsites reported in the contest, indicating that social media activism can influence government action.
What were some of the conditions exposed by the contest?
The contest revealed severe sanitary conditions in multiple communities, with trash blocking sidewalks and streets, creating unsanitary environments.
What challenges do Havana’s Communal Services workers face?
A recent video exposed that these workers collect trash without gloves, proper tools, or other protective gear, highlighting the lack of resources and care in the workplace.