A colossal pile of trash accumulating alongside the railway tracks in Las Tunas has stirred anger among locals who are decrying the area's degradation and long-standing issues with waste collection.
This situation came to light through a Facebook post in the group Revolico Las Tunas, accompanied by a photo depicting a vast expanse littered with cardboard, plastic bags, household debris, and other refuse.
The post's author, Gema Hernández, also claimed that starting Thursday, the section between the old Manatí station ruins and the airport avenue would be closed "due to garbage dump expansion work."
However, there is yet to be any official confirmation regarding this construction work or the reported closure, leaving the supposed expansion of the landfill as merely a claim circulating on social media.
The image, nevertheless, illustrates the sheer magnitude of the trash accumulation in the area, prompting numerous reactions from the community.
One resident mentioned that he has been vocal about the landfill's growth for years and even faced threats for raising awareness about the issue.
"Years ago, I was highlighting the beginnings of this garbage pile, and instead of taking action, those who approached me only threatened that if I continued posting, I would face trouble," he shared.
"Now, the issue lies with the government, which lacks the resources to collect the city's solid waste, turning us into a massive garbage dump," he added.
Another local mentioned that trash hasn't been collected in front of building 42 since October 2025, while others warned about the proximity of waste to food-selling points.
The problem of trash near the railway tracks isn't new in the province. Just last week, the Havana-Guantánamo train had to halt in the Aguilera district due to a mountain of garbage obstructing the tracks. Passengers themselves assisted in clearing the rails to allow the train to proceed.
The waste collection crisis in Las Tunas has even been acknowledged by official media. In February, the province ran out of fuel for garbage trucks while hundreds of micro dumps were reported near homes, schools, and health centers.
The scarcity of personnel further complicates the service: the area needed 657 garbage collectors but had only 229, with just over 60 of them in the provincial capital.
Even government responses have fallen short. In September 2025, local leaders blamed residents and private businesses for the trash buildup, sidestepping institutional accountability.
"We've become a complete dump, and with so many food kiosks around, where is the Public Services, Public Health, what's happened to Cuba?" questioned a neighbor among the reactions to the recent complaint.
FAQs on Las Tunas Waste Crisis
What sparked the outrage among Las Tunas residents?
The outrage was sparked by the massive accumulation of garbage alongside the railway tracks, which highlights longstanding issues with waste collection in the area.
Has there been any official response to the waste issue?
While the situation has been recognized by official media, there has been no official confirmation of the alleged landfill expansion. Government responses have been deemed insufficient by locals.
What challenges does Las Tunas face in waste collection?
The province struggles with a lack of resources, such as fuel for garbage trucks and personnel shortages, which exacerbates the waste management crisis.
How have locals reacted to the lack of waste collection?
Residents have expressed frustration and anger, with some facing intimidation for speaking out. They are calling for government accountability and action.