Havana Authorities Boast Renovation of Camilo Cienfuegos Sports Complex Pool

The Camilo Cienfuegos Sports Complex in Havana is undergoing renovations, an effort that local government officials are showcasing on social media as a major construction triumph. On Tuesday, the Plaza de la Revolución Municipal Administration Council shared images on Facebook of the tour conducted by Mayor Rolando López Jiménez, highlighting the ongoing work at this and other facilities after years of neglect and decay.

The brief statement noted that the pool restoration is nearly complete and soon to be utilized for educational purposes. Accompanied by photos, the government flaunts the refurbished facilities while failing to provide updates on the rest of the sports complex. The announcement specifically mentions the renovation of the Fencing area, which is now operational.

Authorities claim the sports complex is being restored "step by step," allegedly enhancing athletic activities in the municipality, though they offered no specifics about the other areas of the facility. Situated in Vedado, between 8th and 10th Streets, the Camilo Cienfuegos Sports Complex was already in severe disrepair by 2016, threatening its viability without urgent action. Local officials have repeatedly promised refurbishments, most of which have been partially executed or left unfulfilled.

According to state media reports from 2016, the complex's decline began in October 2005 with Hurricane Wilma but worsened due to governmental negligence and mismanagement, inflicting more damage than the hurricane itself. From 2005 to 2016, only minor repairs were made, primarily focusing on the pool due to its visibility and use for summer recreational activities.

However, other parts of the facility remained neglected. The therapeutic area, for instance, became a rubble-strewn site and a breeding ground for infectious vectors. Restrooms and showers were left unusable for years, while the artificial kayaking lake dried up. In 2014 and 2015, patients and staff repeatedly sent letters to various authorities, including the INDER Municipal Directorate and the Council of State, seeking answers and solutions. Despite receiving formal assurances of comprehensive repairs, these promises were never fully realized.

Despite numerous public complaints and evidence of the complex's severe deterioration, the local government took nearly another decade to once again announce, in 2024, the supposed renovation of the pool as a significant construction achievement, while still withholding information about the current status of other sports areas within the center.

Social media is frequently flooded with complaints about the neglect of state facilities, showcasing spaces consumed by time and neglect. A glaring example is the stands of the Amador Fernández Fernández Provincial Academy Stadium, closed due to the severe risk of collapse following a prolonged deterioration process exacerbated by the ongoing theft of steel beams.

Inaugurated in 2021, this project aimed to provide a comfortable and suitable space for football fans in Camagüey. However, the lack of nighttime security, absence of perimeter fencing, and poor lighting facilitated the theft of essential structural elements. It is estimated that around 60 beams are missing, exposing the fragility of management and maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Versalles railway bridge, connecting the banks of the Yumurí River in Matanzas, has long served as a crucial link between the city and its Industrial Zone. Today, its metal structure appears worn, dotted with rust, and weathered by time. With towering metal arches and rails reddened by train sparks, the bridge stands as a reminder of bygone eras and reflects the prevailing neglect in the country, as depicted in images shared by the official Girón newspaper.