A resident from the Diez de Octubre neighborhood in Havana has publicly urged Cuban leaders to clarify their decisions impacting everyday life. The plea, captured in a video shared on social media, has sparked thousands of reactions.
The outspoken individual, Yasmila Otero Heredia, took to Facebook to post a message lasting slightly over four minutes, where she criticized the lack of official communication regarding the challenges faced by locals and questioned the recent visit of leader Miguel Díaz-Canel to the area.
Otero Heredia revealed that residents only learned about the presidential tour after it had already concluded. "Of course, we found out afterward because we have no access to information, can't access the Internet, and can't watch the news," she stated.
The video, which has been viewed over 25,000 times, was recorded days after Díaz-Canel toured the Municipal Defense Council of Diez de Octubre as part of his journey across Havana's 15 municipalities that started on June 30.
Living Conditions in Disarray
During her account, Yasmila described the dire living conditions for many families in the municipality, plagued by garbage accumulation, a surge of flies, power outages, and water supply interruptions.
She mentioned that several family members have fallen ill recently. "My grandson, who barely eats, has had diarrhea for days and has gotten skinny," she shared. She also noted that her daughter, husband, and several neighbors are experiencing high fevers and viral symptoms, while highlighting the scarcity of medicines to treat them.
Yasmila attributed the worsening sanitary conditions to the buildup of waste in the streets. "It's filthy, there's no other word for it, and the garbage pile is massive. Sometimes you can't even speak because flies swarm into your mouth," she complained.
Cooking has become a challenging task, she explained, as they must keep doors and windows shut to prevent insects from invading their home.
Calls for Accountability and Transparency
Besides highlighting the health issues, Otero Heredia criticized the lack of information regarding water cuts and power outages. She recalled when water service was somewhat regular and lamented that now residents have no idea when it will be restored. "Someone needs to be accountable for this," she demanded.
The Havana local expressed that while she doesn't expect immediate solutions, she does seek more transparent communication from the authorities. "They need to stand up and face the people. When actions are taken, they need to be rational, especially in this devastated country, where there's nothing left, where there's a dire crisis, people are sick, and hospitals are overwhelmed," she declared.
Protests in a Troubled Neighborhood
This marks the third video Yasmila has released in under two weeks concerning the situation in Diez de Octubre. Recently, she denounced the long waits for banking services and showed her improvised methods of dealing with mosquitoes after several sleepless nights.
Her statements come amid rising social unrest in the municipality. In July, there were protests in Lawton and a demonstration on the Calzada de Diez de Octubre, where residents demanded solutions to the prolonged power cuts.
Meanwhile, the National Electric System continues to grapple with significant generation deficits, leaving vast areas of the country subject to extended electricity outages.
Yasmila's message concludes with a direct appeal to the authorities to provide clear information to the public before implementing measures that would exacerbate daily hardships. "If you're going to take measures to minimize the impact on the population, please, do it in a coordinated manner," she urged.
Understanding the Crisis in Diez de Octubre
What prompted Yasmila Otero Heredia's public appeal?
Yasmila Otero Heredia's public appeal was prompted by the lack of official communication and transparency from Cuban leaders regarding decisions affecting daily life in her neighborhood.
How did the public react to her video?
Her video sparked thousands of reactions on social media, indicating widespread interest and support for her concerns about the living conditions and lack of transparency from the government.
What are some of the issues faced by residents in Diez de Octubre?
Residents face severe living conditions marked by garbage accumulation, a proliferation of flies, power outages, water supply interruptions, and insufficient medical supplies.