More than 376,000 residents of Havana are struggling with access to potable water, confirmed the president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INRH), Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, during a session called by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz to address the numerous crises impacting the capital.
According to the head of the water agency, out of the 376,055 affected individuals, 66,961 are facing issues due to pipeline breaks, while over 309,000 are hindered by power outages that prevent water pumps from operating, as reported by the Havana Government on its Facebook page.
This figure represents a significant deterioration compared to April, when Havana Water management acknowledged that 200,000 people were affected—11% of the capital's population—a statistic that was already met with public skepticism.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, attributed the service decline to the "combined effect of fuel shortages and the unexpected shutdown of various power generation units."
The minister himself acknowledged the severity of the collapse. "In Havana, power outages now exceed 20 to 22 hours a day. And when power is restored, it lasts for two hours, an hour and a half, two hours, three hours in some circuits, four hours, and then we're back to 20, 22-hour outages. This is the state of the capital," he stated.
The Impact of Infrastructure Failures
The most recent trigger was the ninth malfunction this year at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, which went offline at 4:58 a.m. on Thursday due to a boiler leak, causing a partial collapse of the National Electric System (SEN) from Ciego de Ávila to Guantánamo.
In response to the water crisis, the INRH announced priorities such as repairing pumping equipment, fixing major leaks in the Cuenca Sur pipeline, and utilizing alternative water sources in communities.
The issue is deeply rooted in infrastructure challenges. A staggering 87% of the water supply system relies on the electrical grid, and of the 480 main pumping stations nationwide, only 135 are shielded from power cuts.
The Reality on the Ground
In April, the NGO Food Monitor Program spotlighted a black market for suction pumps selling for up to 36,000 Cuban pesos, and private water trucks ranging from 18,000 to 26,000 pesos, with entire buildings going as long as 15 days without water supply.
Roberto Morales Ojeda, secretary of the Communist Party's Organization, argued in the session that "there are still reserves in organizational and subjective areas: in electricity, water supply, food preparation, and public information."
The meeting occurred amidst widespread protests across several Havana neighborhoods, with barricades, bonfires, and pot-banging in Guanabacoa, Marianao, Playa, San Miguel del Padrón, Luyanó, Santos Suárez, and East Havana, among others.
Marrero concluded the session with a call to action, stressing the importance of being present in neighborhoods and communities. "These are not times for office work; it's about being on the streets with the people, where the problems are, to collectively find solutions," he emphasized.
The Water Crisis in Havana: Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the water supply issues in Havana?
The water supply issues are primarily caused by pipeline breaks and prolonged power outages that prevent water pumps from functioning.
How is the government addressing the water crisis?
The government plans to focus on repairing pumping equipment, fixing major leaks, and utilizing alternative water sources to address the crisis.
What has been the public response to the water and electricity issues?
The public response has included widespread protests in various neighborhoods of Havana, expressing frustration over the prolonged outages and lack of water supply.