A video circulating on social media reveals a segment of Zanja Street in Central Havana, overwhelmed with heaps of trash, particularly near the San Fan Con Plaza in the city's Chinatown.
Uploaded on Friday by Facebook user Liena López Delgado, the footage came with comments highlighting the extent of the waste buildup. One observer noted the garbage stretched from Lealtad Street to Campanario.
The images sparked numerous reactions from viewers, with many questioning the decline of this area in Cuba's capital. "The Wonder City turned into the Caribbean's landfill," one person remarked.
Additional comments referenced the presence of rodents and the fear of walking along the sidewalks. "Rats must be everywhere; it's terrifying to walk on the pavement," stated a user, while another questioned, "How long will this go on, my goodness?"
Many concerns were directed at the potential health risks associated with the garbage accumulation. Users pointed out issues like pollution, mosquitoes, rats, and outbreaks, while others criticized the lack of visible changes despite repeated complaints.
"With collapsing buildings and streets filled with trash, how can Havana be considered the capital of a country?" a commentator posed.
In September, there was a report of a significant dump at the intersection of Águila and Estrella, also in Central Havana. Meanwhile, in Vedado, trash stretched nearly a block along 25th Street, near the Avenue of the Presidents or Calle G.
Alarming Levels of Urban Decay
The level of decay in Havana is unimaginable for a capital city. Early in September, two fetuses were discovered amidst garbage at the corner of Zanja and Oquendo, just blocks from the area shown in the video.
In the same month, a fire originating from an impromptu rubbish dump destroyed the side door of the San Judas Tadeo and San Nicolás de Bari church in Los Sitios, a part of the Escolapios community.
At the start of the year, only 44 out of 106 waste collection trucks in the capital were operational—41% of the fleet—due to diesel shortages and mechanical breakdowns, according to official data.
Failed Initiatives and Health Concerns
Authorities recently added 20 trucks and over 240 Chinese-made containers but acknowledged these resources as merely a temporary fix.
A pilot project featuring 30 electric tricycles ended in failure, as admitted by its own organizers.
In September, the Global Dengue Observatory reported 7,133 dengue cases in Cuba for the year, a figure 7.4 times higher than expected for this period.
Shortly after, the Ministry of Public Health publicly recognized a rise in dengue, diarrhea, and other illnesses, though comprehensive official figures were not disclosed.
Havana's Waste Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What are the main health risks of the garbage problem in Havana?
The primary health risks include the spread of diseases such as dengue, increased presence of mosquitoes and rats, and potential outbreaks of other illnesses like diarrhea.
Have any solutions been proposed to address Havana's garbage issue?
While authorities have introduced 20 new trucks and over 240 containers, these measures are not seen as a permanent fix. A pilot project with electric tricycles was also attempted but failed.
How is Havana's garbage problem affecting its reputation?
The pervasive garbage problem is damaging Havana's image as it struggles with urban decay, making it challenging to uphold its status as a capital city.