The official newspaper of the Communist Party in Isla de la Juventud, Victoria, has taken a critical stance this Friday over incidents in Santa Fe involving electric company workers, amid escalating tensions due to ongoing blackouts.
In an article titled "Unacceptable," the publication revisited a note from August 15 by the Electric Company of Isla de la Juventud, which reported that several customers behaved "inappropriately" towards line workers while handling a complaint in the Santa Fe area, particularly in Panel II.
Victoria condemned the verbal abuse directed at the workers, questioning the rationale behind blaming linemen for the breakdowns and prolonged power outages impacting the community.
"How can linemen be held accountable for the tense situation affecting the local power system?" the newspaper queried, further asking how they could be blamed for the outages disrupting sleep, food preservation, and daily life.
While acknowledging the situation as "complex, irritating, and overwhelming," the newspaper insisted that this should not manifest as aggressions against sector workers.
On August 15, the Electric Company emphasized that linemen, operators, and technicians are part of the community, facing the same shortages while striving to maintain electrical services under challenging conditions. The company urged patience, understanding, and respect for its staff.
The company highlighted constraints such as limited fuel for operational vehicles, a shortage of transformers, conductors, and connections, and increased breakdowns linked to extended outages.
Victoria also echoed the official statement attributing sector difficulties to U.S. government measures imposed since January 29, yet the article also mentioned "internal shortcomings" within the system.
The newspaper underscored the working conditions of Electric Company employees, noting they too return to homes impacted by outages and deserve respect in an especially tough environment.
This incident occurs amidst a progressive energy crisis. On August 18, the Electric Company in the special municipality declared a near-total blackout across the territory due to fuel shortages and delays in the arrival of a supply ship, restricting power solely to the hospital and water pumping facilities.
In May, Rubén Campos Olmo, the general director of the Electrical Union, publicly admitted that the island functioned on just six hours of electricity daily. By July, residents reported receiving only two hours of power, with outages lasting up to 22 hours straight.
The friction between residents and electric workers is not unique to this area. In July, residents of Calabazar in Boyeros detained two linemen accused of illegally selling electricity to private businesses while their neighborhood remained in darkness.
Days later, in Guanabacoa, three women stood vigil until 3:30 a.m. to prevent operators from removing their block's transformer without presenting an order.
Understanding the Energy Crisis in Cuba
What is causing the blackouts in Isla de la Juventud?
The blackouts are primarily due to a deficit in fuel supplies and delays in fuel shipments, compounded by internal system inefficiencies and external pressures such as U.S. government sanctions.
How are electric company workers affected by the outages?
Electric company workers face the same shortages and inconveniences as the rest of the population, yet continue to work under difficult conditions to maintain service. They also endure direct confrontations from frustrated residents.
What measures are being taken to address the power crisis?
Efforts are ongoing to secure fuel and improve the distribution system. However, the broader economic and political issues complicate rapid solutions.