In the Cerro district of Havana, a growing pile of garbage has once again stirred frustration among residents who live amid unsanitary conditions and a lack of governmental action. Flies swarm, unpleasant odors linger, and the fear of disease is ever-present.
A Cuban mother named Alejandra Larias took to Facebook to voice her concerns, sharing images of an impromptu dumpsite located just a few steps from her home and a nearby school. "This has gotten out of hand. I'm just two doors away from this filth, I have a young daughter, and there's a school on the same block. The swarm of flies and the stench are unbearable," she wrote in a widely shared message.
Despite the risk of backlash, the visibly upset Alejandra vowed to keep her post up, urging the community to spread her message and pressure the authorities. "I don't care who criticizes my post, nor do I care if the CDR president stands at my door asking for its removal. My only concern is that my daughter doesn't catch any diseases from this mess."
Recurring Scenes in Havana Neighborhoods
While Alejandra's story is striking, it is far from unique. Many neighborhoods in the Cuban capital face severe issues with waste collection, exacerbated by a lack of equipment, fuel, and governmental will. Residents of Cerro, Centro Habana, Marianao, and Diez de Octubre have repeatedly reported the spread of small dumpsites near schools, hospitals, and homes, yet effective responses remain elusive.
Cuban Woman Highlights Trash Pile in Matanzas Neighborhood
On TikTok, a young Cuban mother known as @anita.cubanita64 has drawn attention with a video showcasing the garbage accumulation at a corner of her neighborhood in Matanzas, a long-standing issue. "This has been here... I can't even explain. These branches were trimmed 68 years ago, and they're still lying on the sidewalk because no one has ever come to pick them up," Anita states in the video, capturing the surroundings of her home.
The video quickly went viral, amassing hundreds of comments, as Anita documents her daily life struggling with a lack of water, environmental dirtiness, and health hazards. She also highlights the irony of water being wasted from a broken pipe in the street while some homes suffer from supply shortages, without any official intervention.
Despite these challenges, Anita maintains a hopeful tone, stating, "I really like this neighborhood; it's quite peaceful," while showing how her neighbor has started planting garlic and peppers "because they are so expensive to buy."
Understanding the Waste Crisis in Havana and Beyond
What are the main causes of the waste problem in Havana?
The waste issue in Havana is primarily due to a lack of collection equipment, fuel shortages, and insufficient institutional commitment to resolving the problem.
How are residents responding to the waste problem?
Residents are increasingly taking to social media to voice their frustrations and share images of the waste, hoping to pressure authorities into taking action.
Are there any positive efforts being made by the community?
Yes, some community members are trying to remain optimistic and proactive, such as by starting small gardens to grow their own produce in light of food scarcity and high prices.