Marcel Hernández, a determined young Cuban, has taken matters into his own hands to tackle the ongoing water crisis. Armed with just a pickaxe and shovel, he began digging a makeshift well in his backyard, diligently documenting each stage of the endeavor through viral videos on social media.
In his latest post, Marcel celebrated a milestone that reflects weeks of hard work: his well has started to produce water.
"Day 8. We've reached over three meters deep. We're still battling, but it's yielding water now. Yesterday, it gave us two buckets, and today, one. Slowly but surely, the well is filling, but we need to rest our arms because this is truly a 'crazy labor of love'," he remarked.
"This day was incredibly significant to me, because as I broke through rocks, water began to flow, which made the work challenging, but it's exactly what we were aiming for," he shared.
Support and Humor from Fellow Cubans
Marcel's followers have responded with the characteristic humor that Cubans use to face adversity. One user quipped, "You're going to reach the Earth's core." Another offered a mathematical insight: "If you got two buckets yesterday and one today, tomorrow isn't water day."
There were also comparisons to oil explorers. "Day one looking for oil where there isn't any," joked another commenter.
Some offered practical advice, suggesting he "build a bunker while he's at it," while others used creative geography: "If you keep digging, you'll end up in Australia, proving the Earth is round."
Encouragement also came from those with similar experiences. A follower from Arroyo Naranjo shared, "We dug a 12-meter well in our yard, also with just pickaxe and shovel, but there were two of us, so it was a bit easier. Keep going, it's worth it, as our well still provides water today. Don't lose faith."
Driven by Necessity Amidst Widespread Water Shortages
Prolonged power outages in Cuba have led to extended water service disruptions nationwide. In some areas, residents endure over a month without receiving the precious liquid at home, forcing many to pay for water deliveries.
In neighborhoods in Matanzas, the number of makeshift wells has doubled within months, increasing from 20 to over 40 in a single district, due to the failures of the pumping system. Authorities are planning new wells to alleviate the dire water situation.
The cost of water transported by trucks exceeds 12,000 Cuban pesos, making DIY well digging the only economically viable option for numerous families. In Havana, more than 248,000 people experience frequent disruptions in their water supply.
The crisis is equally severe in other provinces. A town in Pinar del Río has been without water service for over two years.
Understanding Cuba's Water Crisis
Why did Marcel decide to dig his own well?
Marcel decided to dig his own well as a response to the severe water shortages caused by prolonged power outages in Cuba, which have led to extended disruptions of water supply in many areas.
How has the community reacted to Marcel's efforts?
The community has reacted with humor and support, offering encouragement and sharing similar experiences, highlighting the resilience and creativity of Cubans in facing adversity.
What is the current state of water supply in Cuba?
The water supply in Cuba is critically disrupted due to power outages, with many areas experiencing extended periods without water. The cost of delivered water is high, prompting many to resort to digging their own wells.