The Máximo Gómez Primary School, situated in the Dubrocq area of the Versalles neighborhood in Matanzas, has been without electricity for more than 23 days due to a transformer malfunction affecting the region. This issue was highlighted in a citizen complaint section by Periódico Girón.
This outage doesn't just impact local students, but also children who travel from rural communities like San Roque and La Ganadera to attend this school, which is their only option.
Belkis Almeida Martínez, a resident of Dubrocq, brought attention to this situation through a letter to the provincial newspaper. She emphasized that the absence of electricity is causing disruptions in the educational process that has just commenced.
The Provincial Education Directorate of Matanzas addressed the complaint, with its general director, Ricardo Muñoz Alfonso, acknowledging that the school's director, Neime Carrillo Aragón, has been actively engaging with the Electric Company to resolve this critical issue. Additionally, on September 16, educator Gerardo Álvarez, head of the relevant educational level, visited the school, indicating that the problem was already known at both the municipal and provincial levels.
Failed Temporary Solutions
Though a replacement transformer was installed, it proved ineffective. Being of lower capacity, it led to "overloads and line disconnections," as reported by Periódico Girón. Thus, the issue remains unresolved with no fix in sight.
This problem arises at a particularly challenging time. The 2026-2027 school year began on September 1 amidst an electricity crisis affecting 70% of national demand, with only 1,000 megawatts available against a peak demand of 3,250. Education Minister Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto conceded that the start would be under "very difficult" conditions, lacking in uniforms, materials, and teaching staff.
Wider Impact of the Electrical Crisis
In 2026, Matanzas faced the brunt of the electrical collapse. September saw reports of 91 damaged transformers and the theft of over 55,000 liters of dielectric oil, with 43 of 98 substations impacted and 12 still offline. Residents in various circuits reported up to 85 hours of continuous outages. Cuba experienced eight nationwide blackouts in 2026, the last occurring on September 19.
The deteriorating electrical infrastructure directly affects the education system. In the same province, a teacher from Sumidero, in Limonar municipality, resorted to conducting classes on her home's porch because the sole school building was in ruins.
Periódico Girón concluded its report on the Máximo Gómez school with a call to action, urging all neighborhood authorities to unite efforts and ensure the problem isn't forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Power Crisis in Matanzas Schools
What is causing the power outage at Máximo Gómez Primary School?
The school has been without power due to a malfunctioning transformer affecting the surrounding area.
How is the power crisis affecting education in Matanzas?
The lack of electricity is disrupting the educational process, limiting resources, and forcing some classes to be held outside traditional school settings.
What steps are being taken to resolve the power issue?
Efforts are ongoing by school authorities and the Electric Company to resolve the problem, though a temporary solution has not been effective.