Residents of Old Havana have raised alarms about the severe danger they face due to the looming threat of a building collapse on Compostela Street #831, situated between Leonor Pérez and Merced. Over the years, this structure has been progressively deteriorating since its partial collapse back in 2008. The negligence of the authorities to address the issue has left the situation untenable.
A local told CiberCuba that the potential collapse of the building not only poses a risk to passersby on the street but also threatens adjacent structures. Photographs shared by residents show sizable chunks of stone debris scattered across the street. "The situation is dire; it's not just an imminent threat to pedestrians but also to those of us living nearby. It's only a matter of time before this disaster strikes," the resident warned, expressing the community's frustration with the lack of official response, leaving them feeling abandoned.
This particular building, uninhabited for over 40 years, has been the focus of numerous complaints, yet no action has been taken to demolish or reinforce it. Despite exhausting all possible avenues to alert authorities, residents have yet to receive any response. Efforts to bring attention to the issue through social media and independent press have increased visibility, but the demolition of the structure remains pending.
"We are desperate. This situation cannot wait any longer. If no action is taken, the tragedy will be even greater. We've reported this repeatedly, and the government has done nothing. We've lost hope; we just want people to know what's happening here," one neighbor told CiberCuba, sharing photos that highlight the building's precarious condition and the debris strewn across the street.
Wider Context of Urban Decay in Havana
This building's plight is just one of many examples of the severe housing deterioration in Cuba's capital. The situation has worsened recently due to the impact of Hurricane Rafael, which has caused numerous partial and total collapses throughout Havana. A preliminary report from local authorities indicates there have been at least 461 collapses so far. While there have been no reported fatalities, the vulnerability of many structures only grows with time and natural disasters.
"We don't want anyone to say that no one spoke up or warned about this when tragedy strikes. We're already in danger, and all we ask is for someone to listen," pleaded one of the affected residents.