The water crisis in Cuba has been a pervasive issue for many years, one that the Cuban government has been unable to resolve. The problem stems from outdated pipelines and pumping equipment at hydroelectric plants, alongside an aging infrastructure that lacks proper maintenance.
Consequently, videos showing Cubans chasing water trucks to secure the vital resource do more than just capture attention; they evoke sadness and indignation. Such is the case with a clip shared by Yanko Mesa on the social media platform X, where he highlights the water shortage in an unspecified Cuban town, reflecting the everyday reality for many Cubans.
In the video, several residents, including an elderly person with mobility issues, can be seen walking with buckets behind a water truck, which did not stop to provide them with water. "It's unbelievable that in 2024, Cubans don't even have water to bathe and have to run after trucks for the precious liquid," wrote Yanko in his description of the video.
Recently, the Cuban regime acknowledged that more than 600,000 Cubans currently lack access to potable water. The Institute of Hydraulic Resources blames the country's energy crisis for this situation. The government claims to have launched a strategy focusing on areas with the highest number of affected residents, but results are not evident in many regions.
The scarcity of resources and lack of fuel complicate the distribution of water via tanker trucks to the most affected areas. In Havana, a truckload of water can cost over 8,000 pesos. Additionally, a recent turbine failure in the Villa Clara municipality of Caibarién led to extreme water shortages. The government’s solution was to sell five-liter jugs of water for 85 Cuban pesos, rationed through the so-called ration book, as supplying water via trucks was not feasible.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
The ongoing water crisis in Cuba raises numerous questions about the state of infrastructure and government measures. Below are some frequently asked questions that provide deeper insight into the issue.
What are the main causes of the water crisis in Cuba?
The main causes include outdated pipelines and pumping equipment, poor infrastructure maintenance, and an ongoing energy crisis that hampers water distribution.
How is the Cuban government addressing the water shortage?
The government has launched a strategy to prioritize areas with the highest number of affected residents. However, the results have been limited, and many regions still suffer from severe water shortages.
What are the costs associated with accessing water in Cuba?
A tanker truck of water can cost more than 8,000 pesos in Havana. Additionally, due to infrastructure issues, the government has resorted to selling five-liter jugs of water for 85 Cuban pesos, rationed through a ration book system.