A massive buildup of trash, including plastics, branches, sacks, and animal waste, now clogs the flow of the Yayabo River, an emblematic natural feature of Sancti Spíritus, right in front of the Yayabo Bridge, a site designated as a National Monument. This situation was reported this Friday by the official newspaper Escambray.
According to Yoel Betancourt Muñoz, the manager of La Taberna Yayabo, never before since the establishment opened in 2014 has such a large amount of solid waste been present in the area.
"This is a well-known venue that serves both national and international tourists. Due to its prime location next to the Yayabo Bridge, one of the city's architectural gems, it sees high demand. However, for years now, we've been dealing with the degraded image of the river, filled with debris carried by floods and more trash dumped by the nearby population," Betancourt stated.
Environmental and Health Hazards
Beyond spoiling the surroundings, the pollution affects the air quality severely. Workers at the establishment complain that the air is filthy and the stench is unbearable when the wind shifts. Moreover, there's a proliferation of pests and rodents, exacerbated by horse and pig waste being dumped into the river from nearby homes.
Heavy rains do not alleviate the issue; instead of being washed away, the trash is pushed to the sides, worsening the problem and disrupting operations at the tavern.
Failed Solutions and Lingering Problems
The manager remarked that a wall constructed under the bridge to hold back water and enhance the area's look has ended up trapping branches and other objects swept along by the rain.
"This doesn't mean it has to stay this way forever; the river and its iconic bridge are a source of pride for this town, which recently celebrated its 512th anniversary. We hoped this issue would have been resolved by now, but it hasn't," he lamented.
La Taberna's management has raised the issue with local authorities and the Hygiene and Epidemiology Directorate, but they have been met with silence: "We're still waiting for answers," they acknowledged.
Widespread Neglect of Cuban Rivers
This problem is not unique to Yayabo. Cuban rivers, like the Hatibonico in Camagüey and several waterways in Holguín, have similarly become dumping grounds, posing health risks such as leptospirosis, hepatitis A, and dengue.
Even the Prime Minister Manuel Marrero admitted in late 2025 to the institutional failure in Cuba's waste management efforts.
As authorities remain inactive, the Yayabo Bridge—constructed between 1817 and 1831, and the only vaulted arch bridge in Cuba—watches over the river that bears its name as it continues to deteriorate.
Understanding the Yayabo River Crisis
What is causing the pollution in the Yayabo River?
The pollution is caused by a combination of plastics, branches, sacks, and animal waste being dumped into the river, exacerbated by ineffective waste management and structural issues like the wall under the Yayabo Bridge.
How is the pollution affecting the local community?
The pollution affects air quality, making the air unbreathable, and contributes to the presence of pests and rodents. It also disrupts local businesses like La Taberna Yayabo and poses significant health risks to the community.