In the early hours of Thursday, a power outage caused damage to the facilities that supply water to the Cuban capital, resulting in several municipalities losing service. Aguas de La Habana reported that the lack of electrical flow led to a breakdown in the 78-inch conduit of Cuenca Sur and two additional issues in the 1000-meter PAD conduit.
"The Brigade of Large Conductors and the Special Works brigades have worked throughout the afternoon, night, and early morning, staying at the site until resolved," the entity announced on its Facebook profile.
In another post, the company attributed the electrical interruptions to the previous day's weather conditions affecting the main water sources that supply the capital, particularly in Cuenca Sur, Ariguanabo, and El Gato.
Impact on Municipalities
"This situation has severely impacted the water service in the municipalities of Old Havana, Central Havana, 10 de Octubre, Plaza de la Revolución, Cerro, and parts of Boyeros," the company detailed.
At the end of July, another power outage in the transmission lines supplying the Cuenca Sur well field destroyed the main conductor, leaving half of Havana without water. Aguas de La Habana explained that the lack of electrical flow caused a sudden total shutdown of pumping, which led to several water hammer effects in the main conductor, causing it to collapse in three places.
Currently, more than 600,000 Cubans are without access to potable water. According to José Antonio Hernández, president of the Water and Sanitation Business Group, the primary cause is the continuous power outages that disrupt the pumping system.
Protests Erupt in San Miguel del Padrón
The situation is particularly dire in Havana, where more than 130,000 people have been affected for days. On Tuesday night, residents of San Miguel del Padrón, desperate and infuriated by over two weeks without water, took to the streets in protest, blocking neighborhood roads.
Dozens of residents from the neighborhoods of La Rosita and Siboney gathered in the streets early in the evening for spontaneous demonstrations. On Calzada de Güines, the crowd, including children, blocked the road, halting the passage of cars and buses.
Cuba's Water Crisis: Key Questions Answered
Given the ongoing water crisis in Havana, many residents have questions about the situation and its implications. Here are some key questions and answers to help clarify the issue.
What caused the water service disruption in Havana?
The disruption was caused by a power outage that damaged the facilities supplying water to the capital, specifically affecting the 78-inch conduit of Cuenca Sur and the 1000-meter PAD conduit.
How many people are currently affected by the water crisis in Havana?
Over 130,000 people in Havana have been affected by the water crisis for several days, and more than 600,000 Cubans are without access to potable water countrywide.
What actions are being taken to resolve the water issue?
Brigades are working continuously to repair the damage. However, the persistent power outages complicate the resolution efforts.
Why did residents of San Miguel del Padrón protest?
Residents protested due to the lack of water for more than two weeks, expressing their desperation and frustration by blocking neighborhood streets.