Two weeks have passed since Hurricane Rafael swept by, yet Havana remains in disarray. Thousands are still grappling with water shortages and heaps of trash and debris across the city, even though the storm did not directly hit the capital. On Monday, the Provincial Defense Council convened and, following the meeting, officials released a statement indicating that many Habaneros continue to face interruptions in water supply, frequent power outages, and communal hygiene issues.
Widespread Water Distribution Problems in Havana
The situation is particularly dire regarding access to clean water, impacting over 115,000 residents, primarily in the city's western areas. Failures in the Cosculluela system have exacerbated these issues. Authorities have promised improvements by Tuesday, but similar assurances have been made previously without tangible outcomes.
Residents in municipalities such as Guanabacoa, Habana del Este, San Miguel del Padrón, and Arroyo Naranjo, along with Plaza de la Revolución, continue to endure erratic water services. In some instances, individuals report multiple consecutive days without water, worsening living conditions significantly.
Trash Accumulation: An Ongoing Concern
The build-up of garbage is another pressing concern for Havana's residents. Despite the government's claims of efforts in the most affected areas, many streets remain clogged with waste. In Marianao and La Lisa, cleaning crews are seldom seen, leading to potential health hazards.
Authorities maintain, "We are working to varying degrees in all areas," yet citizens argue that these efforts are neither sufficient nor well-coordinated.
Government Assurances and Calls for Community Involvement
The Provincial Defense Council, led by Liván Izquierdo Alonso and Yanet Hernández Pérez, alongside prominent figures like Esteban Lazo Hernández and Vice Prime Minister Inés María Chapman, urged the population to actively participate in recovery efforts. "A call was made for all parties to act in unity, aiming to expedite organizational processes and swiftly restore normalcy to the province," the statement emphasized.
Unaddressed Housing Damage and Lack of Transparency
Another unresolved issue is the restoration of damaged homes. The authorities have not provided clear figures on the number of affected households or the progress of repairs, leaving families in the dark and fueling uncertainty.
The scenario in Havana, two weeks post-Hurricane Rafael, highlights an inefficient emergency management approach that casts doubt on the authorities' ability to handle more significant crises. Although the cyclone did not directly strike the city, the sluggish recovery efforts and persistent fundamental issues like water and communal cleanliness leave residents feeling abandoned. As time passes and problems worsen, the Cuban capital anxiously awaits real solutions.