A resident from the Mirador del Diezmero neighborhood in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, took to Facebook Live to expose the dire situation her community has been enduring for over ten days. They are trapped between relentless power outages and a critical shortage of potable water, a scenario she described as unsustainable and deeply distressing.
Bertha Mariela Sablón Roque, who lives on Callejón Otero, detailed how the electrical circuit powering the pump that supplies water to Diezmero, San Francisco, and parts of San Miguel del Padrón has been largely inactive for several days. According to her, residents have been enduring blackouts lasting from 24 to 28 hours with only brief, 20 to 30-minute intervals of electricity.
"We're experiencing 24, 26, even 28 hours of no power, and only getting 20 minutes of electricity," she lamented, identifying herself by name during the live broadcast.
The lack of electricity has halted the operation of pumps needed to distribute water to these communities. Although water trucks from Aguas de La Habana arrive to open the system's valves, the water never reaches the homes.
"The water truck comes, opens the valve, and then you cut the power. How does that work? Tell me, if you don't bring fuel to start those pumps, how is the water supposed to flow?" she questioned.
Sablón Roque explained that the scarcity has driven many families to desperate measures. Some are attempting to dig makeshift wells, while others have resorted to using water from septic tanks.
"People here are like scavengers. They're frantically trying to dig wells; those who can, do, and those who can't, don't. Some are even using septic water. It's horrifying and disgusting what we're going through," she stated.
Later, Sablón Roque posted a second video, this time at night, to denounce the authorities' response. The only action taken was sending a single water truck to the Cayotero area, which proved inadequate and sparked disputes among neighbors.
"People are outside fighting over a bucket of water. One bucket can't solve days without water," she lamented.
Community Outcry Over Persistent Water Issues
Other residents supported the complaint. Diana Duarte, another local, confirmed on Facebook that San Miguel del Padrón has been without water since July 12, questioning why the H-443 circuit is listed as operational when it's clearly not.
"You call and they tell you the circuit is connected," she wrote.
In the Facebook group "Víctimas de Aguas de La Habana," another Mirador del Diezmero resident claimed to have been without water for over two months, noting leaks on San Miguel's main road that waste water never reaching higher areas.
Sablón Roque also accused officials of diverting electricity to other sectors, such as Veracruz, home to small and medium-sized private enterprises, while neglecting the circuit powering the water pump. Her calls to San Miguel del Padrón's superintendent and Communist Party representatives have gone unanswered.
Escalating Energy and Water Crisis in Cuba
This complaint arises amid Cuba's severe energy and water crisis. In July 2026, over half a million Havana residents faced interruptions in their water supply due to extended blackouts, with the National Electric System recording a record deficit of 2,341 megawatts on July 11.
San Miguel del Padrón has witnessed previous protests. In June, residents staged pot-banging demonstrations and set tires ablaze to demand electricity and food. In July 2025, locals took to the streets after going five days without power due to a transformer failure.
Concluding her broadcast, Sablón Roque made a direct plea to authorities to restore the circuit supplying the water pump.
"Enough is enough. Release the pump's circuit. Water is a basic and essential need," she urged, sharing her personal struggle: "I'm sick and can't even wash myself. Enough!"
Frequently Asked Questions About Water and Power Shortages in San Miguel del Padrón
What is causing the water shortage in San Miguel del Padrón?
The water shortage is primarily due to frequent and prolonged electrical outages, which prevent the operation of pumps needed to supply water to the community.
How are residents coping with the lack of water?
Some residents are attempting to dig makeshift wells, while others have resorted to using septic water, highlighting the desperation caused by the prolonged shortage.
What actions have the authorities taken to address the crisis?
Authorities have sent a single water truck to the area, but this measure has been inadequate to meet the needs of the affected residents.