After numerous failed attempts, the provincial government of Sancti Spíritus has announced the commencement of construction on its crematorium, a project delayed for years. The facility is intended to alleviate the burden on funeral services and reduce the need for transporting remains to other regions.
Since November, teams from the Provincial Directorate of Funeral Services have been clearing debris, cleaning up, and preparing the land at a location known as La Rosita, which is near the sanatorium for HIV patients in the provincial capital, according to the state-run newspaper Escambray.
These preliminary activities, carried out by crews from various municipalities, are laying the groundwork for the investment phase of the project.
Yoel Aquiles Martínez, the provincial director of Funeral Services, explained that the crematorium will be constructed on a former health sector facility that has been underutilized for years. This existing structure will be adapted to suit the approved design, allowing for quicker progress.
Martínez further stated that the incinerator, including its chimney, has been in storage for years. Its installation could start early next year with the help of a specialized brigade from Acinox.
Authorities emphasize that the crematorium will operate on gas and feature dual burner systems to minimize emissions. It will also be supported by solar panels to ensure 24-hour operation.
The complex is expected to include a chapel for religious ceremonies, a garden, a café, and service areas, with a total cost exceeding 25 million pesos.
This announcement comes amidst a structural crisis in Cuba's funeral services. In provinces lacking such facilities, families are forced to transport remains to other areas for cremation, incurring significant financial and emotional costs.
Instances like that of Las Tunas, where the absence of a crematorium has overwhelmed cemeteries and necessitated cremation in neighboring provinces, highlight that merely possessing the equipment doesn't guarantee its operational status.
Adding to these challenges is the situation in Havana, where the regime promised a "rehabilitation" of crematories and funeral homes following reports of service collapses, cremation delays, and the accumulation of bodies.
While officials in Sancti Spíritus herald the project as a long-awaited achievement, the history of delayed projects, long-stored resources, and idle crematories in the country raises doubts about whether this facility will function reliably or become yet another unfulfilled promise that fails to alleviate the everyday struggles of Cuban families.
Key Questions About the Crematorium Project in Sancti Spíritus
Why has the Sancti Spíritus crematorium project been delayed for so long?
The project faced numerous delays due to failed attempts and underutilization of existing facilities, along with broader structural issues within Cuba's funeral services sector.
How will the new crematorium address current funeral service issues?
The crematorium is expected to ease the pressure on existing funeral services by reducing the need to transport remains to other provinces, thereby saving costs and emotional strain for families.
What features will the Sancti Spíritus crematorium include?
The facility will have a gas-powered incinerator with dual burners, solar panels for continuous operation, and amenities such as a chapel, garden, café, and service areas.