In the heart of Havana, a resident is grappling with dire living conditions while authorities turn a blind eye. Juan Osmani Paula Suárez, living on Almendares Street, Plaza de la Revolución, shared with CubaNet the desperate state of his home, which has become a crumbling ruin.
"Everything gets soaked here, I've lost it all—my furniture, my belongings—and no one is coming to help," he lamented, pointing to the deteriorating state of his residence. The home poses a constant threat to his life due to its critical condition. "Look at my house; water leaks from everywhere. Everything is damaged, and no one offers assistance," Paula Suárez expressed.
In a video shared with the independent media outlet, he explained his seven-year-long struggle for aid from local and state authorities, with no success. "I've been to housing, the Council of State, everyone involved, and still nobody comes to help," he said with frustration.
The Devastation of Neglect
The deterioration of his home is alarming. Walls are decaying, sections of the roof have collapsed, and the rains have worsened the situation. "It rains more inside than outside. I spend entire nights in a corner waiting for the rain to stop so I can sleep," he described.
Due to these conditions, Paula Suárez has lost almost all his possessions. "I've lost my furniture, the television, everything. I'm afraid I might lose my life too if nobody helps with this situation," he stressed.
Living Among Ruins
Images from his residence paint a bleak picture: a cramped space filled with ruined furniture and makeshift repairs attempting to halt the decay. "I'm living like an indigenous person, everything is crammed in because I've lost everything," he stated. His health issues compound his tough reality; suffering from chronic illnesses, he relies on medication, and the stress of living under such precarious conditions has further impacted his health.
Despite assistance from some neighbors, who have provided basic items, the needs far exceed these temporary solutions. "Thanks to my neighbors I have a television, because the previous one broke when a piece of the roof fell," he explained.
A Crisis Reflecting a National Issue
Paula Suárez's plight highlights a growing crisis in Cuba: homes in dangerous disrepair, endangering lives while authorities remain inactive. "When the roof finally collapses on me, it will be too late—after I'm gone, I won't need help," he concluded with a heavy heart. This case underscores the urgent need for action in the face of governmental negligence.