Aguas de La Habana, the company responsible for water supply in the capital, has announced ongoing problems following a major pipeline failure caused by a blackout on Sunday evening. On Tuesday, the state-owned company released a statement detailing the repair efforts and the Havana municipalities still affected.
“Aguas de La Habana informs residents in the center and south of the city that the Cuenca Sur water source was restored yesterday evening after the Great Pipelines Brigade repaired three well field failures in record time,” the entity stated on Facebook. However, the company acknowledged that “the system is recovering with a significant deficit in pumping equipment, delaying the stabilization of the water source.”
Much like the convoluted updates from the Electric Union (UNE), Aguas de La Habana provided a confusing array of numbers and explanations, detailing issues that left five wells with damaged pumping equipment. This style of communication has effectively left those affected by the collapse of basic services, like electricity and water supply, in a bewildering sea of data.
For instance, according to Aguas de La Habana, Monday was supposed to focus on boosting supply to the municipalities of Centro Habana and Habana Vieja. “But despite receiving service last night [Monday], it was not as effective as expected due to the condition of the broken equipment,” they stated. “Today [Tuesday], service is scheduled again, but this coincides with the third day of pumping to Diez de Octubre, where consumption is higher.” Did anyone understand that? Was the volume of supplied water clear? Was the daily potable water consumption for the mentioned municipalities specified?
The issues also extend to the Plaza municipality, where, according to the state company, “service recovery began today [Tuesday] at 4:00 AM, but due to the existing deficit in pumping equipment, service remains affected in high points of each circuit.” Once again, what are these high points, and how many users are located there?
Finally, the Cerro municipality is also experiencing water service issues. The explanation in this case is even more convoluted. “Service recovery began today [Tuesday] at 10:00 AM, but due to the insufficient number of pumping equipment, service remains affected in the high points of each circuit. It receives daily service, and the most significant issues are concentrated in areas served by gravity, which are monitored each shift.”
In summary, a blackout caused a rupture in three points of a pipeline, leaving half of Havana without water and the officials at Aguas de La Habana without excuses or shame. At the end of June, Cuban authorities sent a police-escorted water truck to a neighborhood in Habana Vieja, where residents took to the streets to protest after over 10 days without water. Several hours after the protest, the Municipal Administration Council reported that the issue had been resolved with the water truck sent to the area.
Water Supply Problems in Havana
In light of the ongoing water supply issues in Havana, here are some frequently asked questions and answers to provide clarity on the situation.
What caused the recent water supply issues in Havana?
The recent water supply issues in Havana were caused by a major pipeline failure following a blackout on Sunday evening.
Which areas of Havana are most affected by the water supply problems?
The municipalities of Centro Habana, Habana Vieja, Plaza, and Cerro are particularly affected by the water supply problems.
What measures are being taken to resolve the water issues?
Aguas de La Habana has deployed repair brigades to address the pipeline failures and is working on stabilizing the water sources, although they are facing challenges due to a deficit in pumping equipment.
How have residents responded to the prolonged water shortages?
Residents, particularly in Habana Vieja, have protested the prolonged water shortages, prompting authorities to send water trucks escorted by police to the affected areas.