Residents of the building known as "El Hotelito de Cojímar" have once again raised their voices to report the precarious state of the property and the imminent and extreme risk of a collapse that could destroy their homes and endanger their lives. Located at 15217 Villanueva Street, between Real and Cuevas streets, this building in Cojímar is on the verge of burying the families living there, according to reports to the citizen journalism site La Tijera.
"A year ago, we took to the streets. They silenced us with promises that we would be given apartments in a Polytechnic School of Physical Education. But it was all lies, just to quiet us down and give us false hope. They told us to shut up or we would lose our jobs," said the source of the complaint.
Accompanied by numerous images showing the building’s deterioration, the complaint emphasized the desperation of the families, who feel abandoned and deceived by the authorities. "As you can see, it's all lies. The families have nowhere to go and live in fear that the building will collapse on them, burying them and causing many casualties," lamented one of the residents.
Residents Protest Against Authorities' Inaction
In November 2023, residents of the building took to the streets to protest a partial collapse of the facade. Videos shared on social media showed a group of neighbors demonstrating while blocking a street in the coastal town of Havana del Este. "Look, a disabled child, a two-year-old girl, another two-year-old girl, a three-year-old boy, all full of kids... and they do nothing, it’s all a runaround, a runaround... We've been dealing with this for more than 15 years. This is over, man, either take us all to jail or move us somewhere worthwhile," said one of the affected residents in the recording.
The sister of one of the victims of the partial collapse shared details of the event with Martí Noticias. According to her, an awning fell in front of the door where her relatives were about to go out with a "little girl." "Nobody gives us any importance and the building is now falling apart and nearly killed the woman and the girl, right now," declared a woman participating in the protest. "This is a small hotel from the 1950s (...) the awnings have fallen, parts of the roof have come down, and there are many cracks. There is a risk of total collapse," she described.
The recent images shared by La Tijera attest to this situation, which has only worsened over time due to the inaction of the competent authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cojímar Building Crisis
Given the critical situation of the "El Hotelito de Cojímar" building, many questions arise about the safety and future of its residents. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is the current condition of the El Hotelito de Cojímar building?
The building is in a precarious state, with significant structural damage, including fallen awnings, parts of the roof coming down, and numerous cracks, posing an imminent risk of total collapse.
How have the authorities responded to the residents' complaints?
The authorities initially promised to relocate residents to apartments in a Polytechnic School of Physical Education, but these promises were not fulfilled, leaving residents feeling abandoned and deceived.
What actions have the residents taken to address the building's condition?
Residents have taken to the streets in protest, blocking roads and demanding action from the authorities. They have also shared images and videos on social media to raise awareness about their plight.