The tragic incident in Havana, where a 13-year-old boy tragically lost his life after falling into an uncovered sewer during a flood, has led to a surge in complaints about open drains across Cuba. A video posted by CiberCuba on Facebook highlights the perilous conditions in the Luyanó neighborhood and its surroundings, near where the boy died. The area is riddled with dangerous openings that pose a severe risk to anyone, not just children.
This alarming situation is not isolated to one part of the city. "Fifteen years ago, my son fell into an open sewer, although it wasn't during a flood. It happened at a small park in front of the Guanabo shopping complex," a mother recounted. Another resident pointed out, "In front of the barbershop in Kohly, there's a massive two-meter hole on the sidewalk. I saw it yesterday, and it's dangerous. Thousands of people pass by on their way to the El Bosque store. It's a hazard."
Another concerned citizen shared, "In Altahabana, this has been a chronic issue. I knew an adult who fell into one of these holes years ago, and nothing has changed." Similarly, "In Cotorro, the situation is the same. A few years ago, a girl fell into one of these holes, and nobody seems to care. Where is the municipal government? If Díaz-Canel were to visit, everything would be fixed and painted overnight," another resident criticized.
Even within the famous Coppelia ice cream parlor, uncovered drains have been spotted. "Despite the death of a child, no action has been taken. Are they waiting for more fatalities? How long will this negligence continue?" an elderly woman questioned.
In the Facebook group "EL VEDADO DE HOY," a user named Jorge Cervantes Álvarez shared a photo of an uncovered sewer next to a large hole on a sidewalk, with dirty water flowing beneath. "There's no excuse for a sewer to remain uncovered, nor for holes to be present in sidewalks or streets," he stated.
He further commented, "What happened to the boy who died on the flooded avenue 48 hours ago was due to negligence on many levels. He shouldn't have been exposed, but our neighborhoods flood because the sewer systems are clogged with filth. This is due to social indiscipline and poorly executed, or entirely neglected, maintenance work. Drain covers must be securely fastened to prevent them from being removed."
On the Facebook page La Tijera, images from the town of Delicias in Las Tunas were posted, showing numerous holes and sewers either uncovered or improperly covered. "These conditions have led to multiple accidents, causing injuries and fractures to many people. Local authorities responsible for addressing these issues remain indifferent and disconnected from this reality, as if they simply don't care," the page stated.
In another post, La Tijera criticized those blaming the accident on the boy's parents, teachers, or school director, emphasizing that the real culprit is the government, which shows no interest in solving the problems faced by Cubans. "The regime's negligence in maintaining, repairing, and cleaning drainage systems and street potholes results in tragedies like this, where a child died because no one bothered to cover the sewer," they reminded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Drainage Issues
What caused the recent tragedy in Havana?
A 13-year-old boy fell into an uncovered sewer during a flood, leading to his tragic death.
Why are there so many uncovered drains in Cuba?
The issue stems from negligence in maintenance and repairs of drainage systems, exacerbated by social indiscipline and improperly executed work.
Who is responsible for addressing these hazards?
Local authorities are responsible but are often criticized for their indifference and lack of action regarding these dangerous conditions.