Water Crisis Deepens in Urbano Noris, Holguín as State Media Acknowledges Challenges

The water supply in Urbano Noris, a municipality in Holguín province, has come to a halt, as reported by Cuban state media via Radio SG La voz del Azúcar. The announcement included a statement from the director of the Urbano Noris Water and Sewerage Base Business Unit (UEB).

Yoluan Abreu Pupo, who leads the organization, publicly addressed the reasons for the stoppage: "Currently, water pumping is at a standstill due to an issue that has severely impacted our Water Treatment Plant's operations."

The root of the problem dates back approximately four months—to around April this year—when the plant fell victim to the theft of dielectric oil from one of its transformers. This incident deprived the plant of the essential electrical supply required for functioning: "As a result, we were left without the necessary electrical service to ensure the plant's operation," acknowledged the director.

The head of the UEB warned that this incident is not the sole factor jeopardizing the water supply: "This situation is compounded by the ongoing challenges we've historically faced with the electrical service, which further impede the stability of water pumping."

Abreu Pupo also highlighted the geographical challenges worsening the crisis: "Our municipality currently lacks a secure and nearby water source. Water must be pumped from the Cauto River in the Júcaro area, approximately 14.7 kilometers from the municipal center." This distance adds to the transit time: "From the moment pumping begins, it takes about 3 hours for the water to reach the distribution tanks. Therefore, any disruption in the electrical system directly affects the water supply to the population."

The municipality is home to over 35,000 residents, based on recent statistics, with the majority living in urban areas. Local media had reported in 2024 that water distribution cycles in Urbano Noris spanned up to 70 days, highlighting the severity of the issue even before the theft that incapacitated the treatment plant.

Regarding those responsible for the theft, the UEB director stated that "they are currently detained and awaiting sentencing." The theft of dielectric oil from transformers is a leading crime against the electrical system in Holguín, driven by fuel shortages and the potential to sell the oil on the black market. Authorities classify it as sabotage, imposing severe penalties, yet they struggle to curb its occurrence.

Recently, in the same province, over 20,000 people in the Mayarí area were left without electricity following a similar theft.

The situation in Urbano Noris is part of a relentless water crisis. In May 2025, more than 370,000 individuals were affected in Holguín, with Urbano Noris among the hardest-hit municipalities. Nationally, in May 2026, the National Institute of Water Resources reported that millions of Cubans were facing severe challenges accessing potable water.

Abreu Pupo concluded his statement in typical Cuban official propaganda style, insisting they are "working to restore pumping and regain service stability as soon as possible." A small consolation after four months without regular water supply.