The state-run media outlet, Girón, reported that health authorities in Matanzas have confirmed the safety of water from the Bello supply source. This source had been contaminated by waste leakage from the Boris Luis Santa Coloma Sugar Mill in Mayabeque Province. According to the officials, the water now meets all established safety standards for human consumption.
Dr. Silvia Isabel Domínguez León and Engineer Evaldo Guerra Báez, both from the environmental health directorate of the Provincial Center for Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Microbiology in Matanzas, announced that the physical-chemical and bacteriological analyses of the water samples show no health risks.
Since February 10th, authorities have allowed the resumption of water pumping to the city and have maintained a systematic monitoring of the supply as a control measure. Continuous vigilance is also being exercised over the waste disposal processes at the sugar mill to prevent future incidents.
The contamination incident at the Boris Luis Santa Coloma mill resulted in the suspension of water supply to several areas in Matanzas after fecal coliforms were detected in the samples, raising public concern and demands for preventive measures.
Residents in neighborhoods such as Versalles, Matanzas East and West, and El Naranjal were advised to boil their water and use sodium hypochlorite for disinfection. However, the lack of timely information, the shortage of hypochlorite in pharmacies, and delays in restoring service caused frustration among the populace.
Social media complaints highlighted public dissatisfaction, citing a lack of transparency in official communication and reports of water arriving murky and foul-smelling following the restoration of pumping. There were also concerns about the impact of power outages on water services and the inadequacy of water trucks provided as a temporary solution.
The assurance that the water is once again safe provides relief to the residents of Matanzas, though the episode underscores the need for improved communication strategies and response mechanisms in health crises, as well as stricter regulation of industrial waste affecting regional water resources.
Addressing Water Safety and Crisis Management in Matanzas
What caused the water contamination in Matanzas?
The water contamination was caused by a waste leakage from the Boris Luis Santa Coloma Sugar Mill, which led to the presence of fecal coliforms in the Bello water supply source.
What measures have authorities taken to ensure water safety?
Authorities resumed water pumping after confirming safety standards were met and have maintained systematic monitoring. They are also overseeing waste disposal processes at the sugar mill to prevent similar incidents.
How did residents respond to the water safety issue?
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of timely information and difficulty obtaining disinfection supplies. Complaints on social media also highlighted issues with murky water and inadequate temporary solutions.