A resident of Havana has taken to social media to accuse Cuban singer Telmary Díaz of causing significant structural damage and severe leaks in her apartment following renovations in the unit above hers. Moraima Quiñones Leand, living at Calle 26 #163, 10th floor, apartment 3, revealed on Facebook that leaks from the expanded bathroom by Telmary have not only compromised her home but also her health, putting her in a dire situation.
Quiñones has pursued all available legal avenues, including hiring a lawyer and submitting original documents required by the court. Despite these efforts, she has received no concrete answers: “Since March, I've been dealing with this issue. The lawyer asked for original papers, and when I went to the court to check on the case, they told me it wasn’t my place to be there, that it was the lawyer's responsibility. In the end, time goes by, and the summons for Telmary never came.”
She detailed how her home has been severely impacted, with leaks damaging the living room, dining area, balcony, a bedroom, and even the electrical wiring, leaving her without power in several parts of her apartment: “If I cook, water drips down. This is no way to live.”
Additionally, Quiñones claimed these leaks have affected her health, causing hair loss, skin irritations, and a constant state of stress: “I've had to cut my hair because of the itching and take medications that are hard to find in Cuba,” she lamented.
The court has attempted twice to deliver a summons to Telmary’s residence, but no one answered the door. According to Quiñones, the singer spends most of her time abroad in the United States, while her Havana apartment is occupied by caretakers and foreigners who, she says, have not taken responsibility for the damages.
“She enjoys her life abroad while I'm here dealing with the disaster she left behind. She needs to fix the bathroom and repair the plumbing. It's unfair that at 61 years old, I have to endure this after building my home with so much effort,” she expressed.
Beyond the leaks, Quiñones also reported constant noise from the apartment above, with banging, loud music, and furniture moving, making her life even more unbearable.
In her desperation, Quiñones has appealed to authorities for intervention in the case: “Is there justice in my country, even if she is a cultural figure in Cuba?” she questioned, vowing not to rest until a resolution is found.
In September 2024, a Cuban woman in Havana successfully resolved a sewage problem that had plagued her home for months. Activist Yamilka Lafita's social media posts prompted the state company Aguas de La Habana to act and unclog the obstructed sewer. This case highlights how many issues only receive attention once made public, while similar problems persist in other areas, underscoring the inefficiency of the system, according to the activist.
Just days earlier, on September 19, videos on social media showed drinking water being wasted on Havana's streets, even as many families faced shortages. A user documented a leak near the Aguas de La Habana facilities, calling the situation irresponsible amid extreme shortages.
Understanding the Dispute Between Moraima Quiñones Leand and Telmary Díaz
What prompted Moraima Quiñones Leand's complaint against Telmary Díaz?
Moraima Quiñones Leand accused Telmary Díaz of causing severe leaks and structural damage to her home due to renovations in the singer's upstairs apartment in Havana.
What issues has Moraima faced because of the leaks?
Moraima has dealt with damage to several areas of her apartment, including the living room, dining area, and electrical systems. The leaks have also affected her health, causing skin irritations, hair loss, and ongoing stress.
What legal steps has Moraima taken to address the problem?
Moraima has pursued all possible legal actions, including hiring a lawyer and submitting original documents to the court. However, after months of waiting, no concrete responses have been received and the summons for Telmary never arrived.
How has Telmary Díaz responded to the complaint?
As of now, there has been no direct response from Telmary Díaz. According to Moraima, the singer spends most of her time outside Cuba, residing in the United States, and her Havana apartment is occupied by caretakers and foreigners who have not taken responsibility for the damages.
What does this case reveal about housing conditions in Cuba?
This case highlights a broader issue of inadequate infrastructure and the authorities' lack of response to critical housing situations in Cuba. Many island residents face similar problems with leaks and structural damages without receiving effective solutions from the government.