A video circulated on social media this Saturday reveals a disturbing scene at the intersection of Monte and Águila in the Jesús María neighborhood. This once-bustling corner is now an open-air landfill, with solid waste completely covering the sidewalk in front of a neoclassical-columned building.
The footage, shared by user Maykel Chapotin, shows an array of plastic bottles, cans, black bags, cardboard, debris, and broken wood piled up in front of what used to be one of the capital's most renowned stores, El Cadete. This shoe store, located at Monte 401, was a hallmark of popular trade in Havana for decades.
Residents who viewed the video quickly recognized the location. One user commented, "Corner of the El Cadete store." Another described it as a "pigsty full of pestilent rats," while a third questioned, "Why aren't these streets cleaned? Find a place, this brings diseases."
One comment sarcastically pointed fingers at the regime: "Continuity, they marched by the thousands last May 1st... this is their responsibility."
Monte Street, officially known as Avenida Máximo Gómez, was once one of Havana's most prosperous commercial avenues during the Republic era (1902-1958), featuring shoe shops, bazaars, bakeries, hardware stores, pharmacies, and jewelry stores.
However, after over six decades under a socialist regime, it has become one of the most run-down areas of the city.
This incident is not an isolated one; it's indicative of a broader public health crisis threatening Havana's residents. In February, it was reported that only 44 out of 106 garbage trucks in the capital are operational, just 41% of the fleet, due to diesel shortages and mechanical failures.
The city produces between 24,000 and 30,000 cubic meters of solid waste daily, yet as many as 23,814 cubic meters remain uncollected each day.
Even the government led by Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted in December 2025 that it cannot adequately clean the capital or fairly compensate street sweepers.
In June, young military service members were deployed to collect trash with shovels and sacks, but the situation saw no lasting improvement.
The same Monte and Águila intersection was previously the site of a fire caused by burning trash on April 1st, highlighting the recurring nature of this issue.
The health implications are severe. The Food Monitor Program warned that flies, cockroaches, rats, and other vectors are spreading pathogenic microorganisms to food consumed by residents.
A biologist consulted by the organization cautioned that current conditions could spark a gastroenteritis epidemic in Havana "at any moment."
Cuba concluded 2025 with at least 81,909 cases of dengue and chikungunya, and 65 officially reported deaths, a situation directly tied to the garbage crisis, according to The New York Times. The outbreak persists in 2026, with more than 2,800 cases across 134 municipalities.
Historian Julio César González Pagés captured the dire situation with a poignant image: "Havana, amidst trash heaps and feces, enters summer with scarce water, hygiene, and medication, echoing the worst of its colonial past."
Key Issues in Havana's Waste Management Crisis
Why is the Monte and Águila intersection significant in Havana?
The Monte and Águila intersection was historically significant as a commercial hub, housing the famous El Cadete store. It symbolizes the broader deterioration of Havana under the current regime.
What are the health risks associated with the waste crisis in Havana?
The waste crisis poses severe health risks as vectors like flies and rats spread pathogens to food, potentially triggering epidemics such as gastroenteritis.
How has Havana's waste management been impacted by the regime?
Havana's waste management has suffered due to systemic issues under the socialist regime, including a lack of resources and operational garbage trucks, leading to uncollected waste and public health hazards.
What steps have been taken to address the waste crisis?
Efforts to address the waste crisis have included deploying military personnel for manual garbage collection, though these measures have not resulted in sustained improvements.