The streets of Havana are overwhelmed by mountains of garbage, sparking a surge of complaints from residents who are taking to social media to highlight a problem that severely impacts public health and community living standards.
On Facebook, user Marilyn Ferrer shared the dire situation at the intersection of N and 27 streets in El Vedado, right in front of her home. “I don't need to say more... the images speak for themselves,” she wrote, accompanied by photos showing trash spilling out of containers and occupying large portions of the public road.
Residents continuously point out that the accumulation of waste has led to an increase in rats and other insects, heightening the risk of diseases and creating an unsanitary environment.
Neighborhoods Suffer from Neglect
A similar scenario is unfolding in the Cerro municipality, where a resident of Marino Street, between San Pablo and Auditor, sent images to digital outlets like CiberCuba to report the situation in his neighborhood. According to the complainant, the garbage heap on the corner has grown so large that it now encroaches on nearby homes, with no action taken by authorities to address the issue. "Rats, maggots, and countless flies have free reign," he lamented.
This issue extends beyond the capital. In Santiago de Cuba, a family living on Serafín Sánchez Street, between 8 and 9 in the Flores district, has been dealing with this problem for over a year. The waste piles up in front of their door, leaving only a narrow path for them to access their home.
Despite numerous complaints and reports to local authorities and other governmental bodies, they have received no concrete response. "We live among the trash. We've gone everywhere, but no one listens to us," said one family member.
Public Health at Risk
The garbage accumulation has become a recurring issue in several Cuban cities, with severe implications for public health. The lack of resources, proper infrastructure, and efficient management by authorities has resulted in this situation dragging on, affecting hundreds of thousands of people who live surrounded by waste in their neighborhoods.
Citizens continue to denounce the inaction of responsible agencies and demand urgent solutions to halt the health crisis impacting their communities. In his latest social media broadcast, comedian Jardiel referenced the issue humorously.
“Dating these trash heaps must be similar to how we date sequoias by cutting the trunk and counting the rings, or like mountains with their tectonic plates. The sediment under these trash piles is like cities, relics. Imagine finding an Egyptian pyramid under a garbage heap!” Jardiel quipped, showcasing another enormous trash pile in the capital just hours ago.
The ongoing waste crisis in Havana and other parts of Cuba highlights the urgent need for effective solutions and better governance to address the growing concerns of its citizens.