The Cuban government has announced that natural water distributed to those affected by Hurricane Melissa in Río Cauto, located in Granma Province, will be sold at a symbolic price of 40 pesos per family unit.
This statement was made public on Facebook by José Manuel Rodríguez Valdivia, a local government official, who shared a message from Misladis Alcolea Núñez, the municipal director of Commerce and Gastronomy.
According to Alcolea Núñez, the water is not a donation but is sourced from the state's disaster reserve, and the charge is meant to cover "logistical costs."
The notice stated that the water would be provided at the ten Zone Defense Councils, with each family receiving just one unit. While authorities claim this measure is meant to ensure organized distribution of water to those impacted by the storm, both the amount of water and its price are described as "symbolic."
Río Cauto was significantly affected by Hurricane Melissa, which caused severe flooding and material losses in eastern Cuba during October.
This isn't the first clarification from local authorities following the hurricane's aftermath. On Wednesday, Rodríguez Valdivia released another statement from the Department of Labor and Social Security indicating that the mattresses provided to victims were also not donations.
On that occasion, officials explained that the state "subsidizes but does not gift," requiring a partial payment of 456 pesos from those with financial means, while offering free aid only to those under social assistance.
Previously, Rodríguez had also mentioned the sale of sausages and ground meat to Río Cauto residents, though these were provided in symbolic and insufficient quantities to families who lost everything.
FAQs About Government Response to Hurricane Melissa in Cuba
Why is the Cuban government charging for water after Hurricane Melissa?
The government states that the charge is to cover logistical costs, even though the water comes from the state's disaster reserve.
What other items are being sold to hurricane victims in Río Cauto?
In addition to water, the government has also sold mattresses, sausages, and ground meat in symbolic quantities to affected families.
How has the local government justified these sales?
Authorities claim the sales are subsidized and meant to ensure organized distribution, with free aid reserved for those in significant need.