Deep within Havana, in less urbanized areas such as Bajo de Santa Ana, makeshift communities known as "llega y pon" are springing up, symbolizing the desperate quest for shelter amidst scarcity. These homes, hastily put together by internal migrants seeking a better future in the capital, expose the lack of planning and resources in an environment missing the essentials for a dignified life.
Videos shared by the TikTok account @cuba.live2 describe the neighborhood as a swampy terrain where houses seem to arise "overnight." In Bajo de Santa Ana, fragile structures made from wood, zinc, and salvaged materials form a chaotic maze devoid of sewage systems or access to basic utilities like gas or potable water. Residents rely on charcoal, which they produce themselves, for cooking, and the marshy land poses a constant threat, especially during weather events such as hurricanes.
Life in a "Llega y Pon" Neighborhood
Bajo de Santa Ana is characterized by the informality of its buildings and the harsh conditions its inhabitants endure: homes are constructed with makeshift materials, and bathrooms are often just rudimentary spaces without sanitation connections. The simple, exposed kitchens operate with charcoal stoves, which families produce for personal use and occasionally sell to neighbors.
The natural surroundings, marked by degraded mangroves and marshy grounds, are also part of this community. Residents face the ongoing danger of flooding, with stagnant water encircling their homes. Despite these challenges, the locals strive to keep their spaces clean and organized, showing a daily struggle to survive in a place neglected by authorities.
A Daily Struggle for Survival
Without gas or essential services, residents turn to charcoal production for cooking. Erick Bárbaro Leal Bridón, a local resident, explains that making charcoal involves using wood and soil, and the use of mangroves is prohibited. Nevertheless, this activity has become vital for the survival of these communities.
As "llega y pon" settlements proliferate in areas like Bajo de Santa Ana, the lack of opportunities and housing solutions for those migrating within the country in search of a better life becomes evident. These impromptu communities highlight the structural inequalities in Cuba, where thousands must find refuge amid mud and deprivation, constructing their homes with whatever is available.
One major issue these "llega y pon" settlements face is the regime's approach, which, rather than offering livable conditions, results in mass evictions. In 2020, Havana authorities attempted to evict residents from an illegal settlement in the Cotorro municipality, disregarding the risks of leaving people homeless during the ravaging coronavirus pandemic at the time.
A report on the YouTube account of a user named Delibera showcased a location where over 1,000 citizens had built a community through their own efforts on what was once the yard of the Antillana de Acero plant. A similar situation occurred in 2021 when Cuban authorities evicted an illegal settlement of more than 50 houses in the Jamaica area, located in San José, Mayabeque. All these actions were part of a crackdown against illegal constructions in Cuba, known as "llega y pon," directed by the ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel in 2020.
Understanding the "Llega y Pon" Phenomenon in Cuba
What are "llega y pon" communities?
"Llega y pon" communities are informal settlements that emerge rapidly, often overnight, as a result of internal migrants constructing makeshift homes due to a lack of adequate housing and resources in urban areas like Havana.
Why do people create "llega y pon" settlements?
People create "llega y pon" settlements out of necessity, seeking shelter and survival in the absence of formal housing options and basic amenities, often due to economic hardships and restrictive policies in Cuba.
How do the authorities respond to "llega y pon" settlements?
Cuban authorities often respond to "llega y pon" settlements with evictions rather than providing support or solutions for livable conditions, as part of a broader effort to control illegal constructions.