Circulating on social media are videos criticizing the negligence and inaction of the state-owned company Aguas de La Habana. These posts question the Cuban regime for failing to resolve water supply disruptions and the associated health issues.
Yulier Rodríguez denounced in a video posted on Facebook that a pipe network failure has left a large hole in a street in Havana, and that the responsible company has neither repaired the leak nor filled the hole. "I just passed by (Aguas de La Habana)—excuse me, I mean 'Wasting Water of Havana,'" he quipped. However, he also shared a concerning message: "While many families go weeks without potable water in the capital, the company luxuriously ignores the leaks right next to its headquarters."
Irina Diéguez Toledo, a resident of El Cerro, Havana, also took to Facebook to highlight the dangers her community faces due to the regime's inaction and inability to address the water supply network's failures, a problem she has warned about multiple times.
The woman described the scene in a nearby street: "A river of potable water, sidewalks broken by the water's action, and small worms growing there." She also shared images and videos showing how neighbors have improvised "river crossings" using old tires, planks, and bricks, as it would otherwise be impossible to enter or exit some homes.
The constant presence of leaks in the streets is irrefutable evidence of the Cuban regime's inefficiency. Last March, a small pothole and leak transformed into a pool enjoyed by children in El Cerro, Havana.
"When you're feeling down, remember this started as a small pothole in El Cerro and today has reached the status of 'Future Little Potholes Recreation Center' for the kids to enjoy during their break week," mocked the Facebook profile "LaSai Dela Vida." The video shows children and teenagers diving into the large water-filled hole, which is intersected by a leaking pipe from Aguas de La Habana.
Impact of Aguas de La Habana's Negligence on Havana's Water Supply
The ongoing issues with Aguas de La Habana have raised several questions about the water supply and related health issues in Havana. Here are some common questions and their answers:
What are the main issues caused by Aguas de La Habana's negligence?
The primary issues include constant water leaks, large potholes in streets, and weeks-long disruptions in potable water supply, leading to health risks and infrastructure damage.
How have residents responded to these water supply issues?
Residents have taken to social media to voice their complaints, share videos and images of the problems, and improvise solutions like makeshift crossings using old tires and planks.
What is the government's response to these criticisms?
There has been little to no effective response from the government, leading to growing frustration among residents who are directly affected by these issues.