In response to recent protests, the Cuban regime announced on Sunday the installation of a new turbine to pump water to various communities in Río Cauto, Granma. The demonstrations erupted on Friday after a mother of three was detained for speaking out against the dire shortages and hunger plaguing her community.
A brief statement on the Río Cauto Municipal Government's Facebook page described the installation as a "collective effort," following multiple days of disrupted water supply. The regime emphasized that workers endured "more than a week of strenuous labor" to set up the turbine after a breakdown left over 14,000 residents in areas like Cayamas, Río, and Batey without water.
The task of setting up the turbine and related equipment was undertaken by UEB Acueducto, Ferro Azúcar, the Grito de Yara Sugar Company, and the Mipyme Morequín, all experts in boiler-making. These groups "successfully" restored water pumping within just over a week, accelerating efforts after protests broke out in the municipal center on Friday. Authorities have assured that water pumping would resume on Sunday.
"Without this collective effort, it would have taken three months to get the turbine operational," the regime claimed, praising the swift progress despite electrical issues and resource shortages. The equipment, they noted, is "working at a rapid pace."
In the wake of Friday's mass mobilization in Río Cauto, where citizens demanded the release of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, arrested after highlighting severe shortages and hunger, the regime has employed various tactics to quell local unrest. On Saturday, the Granma government set up a small agricultural fair in the municipality, offering bananas, rice, peas, cornmeal, and a few other products.
These actions aim to project an image of normalcy while manipulating the populace with the very shortages that plague them: food and water supply. Following Friday night's protests, the government released images of empty streets in Río Cauto, claiming, "Let us remember that peace and tranquility are a testament to our strength as a nation."
During the demonstrations, primarily attended by local residents, participants chanted slogans like “Freedom for Mayelín” and held signs in her support, while others banged pots in protest. The 47-year-old woman had publicly criticized the lack of basic foodstuffs like milk and eggs, as well as essential cooking supplies, highlighting the broader crisis affecting the island.
Mayelín Carrasco's arrest occurred on Thursday. In an attempt to discredit her, the Río Cauto Government issued a statement on social media, claiming she was offered several solutions, including a "temporary" home made of "wood and zinc."
Key Questions About Río Cauto Water Crisis
What prompted the protests in Río Cauto?
The protests were triggered by the detention of Mayelín Carrasco Álvarez, who was arrested for publicly denouncing the severe shortages and hunger faced by her community.
Who was involved in the water turbine installation?
The installation was carried out by UEB Acueducto, Ferro Azúcar, the Grito de Yara Sugar Company, and the Mipyme Morequín, all specialized in boiler-making.
What measures did the government take to appease the protesters?
The government organized a small agricultural fair offering basic food items like bananas and rice, in an attempt to project normalcy and address some of the shortages.
What was the government's response to the protests?
The government displayed images of empty streets and emphasized peace and tranquility as a reflection of the nation's strength, while also attempting to discredit Mayelín Carrasco with claims of offering her housing solutions.