A massive collection of garbage has been accumulating for several days near Baracoa's seawall, alarmingly close to residential areas. Locals are raising concerns about the foul odors, flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, and rodents, especially amidst the ongoing epidemiological challenges faced by the municipality.
This issue came to light on Monday when a local resident, choosing to remain anonymous, reported it in the Facebook group "AMAZON BARACOA – SOLO VENTA."
Photographic evidence shared online depicts piles of cardboard, plastic, debris, and other waste heaped at a corner of a small park, with homes nearby and the sea visible in the distance.
“This garbage dump, located at a corner in a small park across from the seawall, is unbearable due to the stench, flies, mosquitoes, rats, and cockroaches,” reported the resident, noting that the waste has gone uncollected for at least three days.
The resident urged that this complaint be escalated as necessary until the problem is resolved.
Comments on the post suggest that the waste issue is not isolated to this location. Residents pointed out similar problems near the Julio Antonio Mella High School, in La Playa, the descent from Maceo to La Laguna, and close to a children's daycare center.
"The local waste management company must address this issue," demanded another resident. "At least once a week, they should collect the garbage. That's why there are so many diseases."
Another comment reflected the perceived decline of the city: “We’ve gone from being the cleanest city in Cuba to a garbage dump.”
The resident also criticized the lack of maintenance for parks and green spaces, warning of the increasing presence of mosquitoes and gnats.
Some locals attributed the waste collection issues to the ongoing fuel crisis. "There's no diesel," stated a woman in the comments.
The complaint is particularly pertinent given Baracoa's current epidemiological situation, as it is one of the municipalities in Guantánamo affected by dengue transmission. In early September, local authorities reported over 30 confirmed cases through PCR tests in the province, with multiple virus serotypes circulating.
This situation is part of a broader health crisis in Cuba. Dengue has been reported at much higher levels than anticipated in 2026, and the Ministry of Public Health recently acknowledged an increase in dengue, diarrheal diseases, and respiratory infections nationwide.
The post also highlights another aspect of the environment residents face when raising local issues.
“Even posts like these have to be made anonymously,” lamented a resident.
Another questioned the necessity of anonymity for something as straightforward as a waste collection complaint: “Even this has to be posted anonymously. Show some courage, though it's futile in this country and especially in this municipality.”
Addressing Waste Management and Health Concerns in Baracoa
What is causing the delay in garbage collection in Baracoa?
The delay in garbage collection is reportedly due to a fuel crisis, which has disrupted waste management operations.
How is the waste problem affecting Baracoa’s health situation?
The accumulation of waste is exacerbating Baracoa’s health issues by attracting pests and potentially spreading diseases like dengue, which is already prevalent in the area.
What other areas in Baracoa are affected by waste accumulation?
In addition to the seawall area, waste accumulation has been reported near the Julio Antonio Mella High School, La Playa, the descent from Maceo to La Laguna, and near a daycare center.