In an effort to address the ongoing water supply issues impacting 265,000 residents, Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman visited Matanzas, as reported by TV Yumurí on Sunday.
Matanzas ranks second among Cuban provinces with the highest number of people affected by irregular water access, trailing only Artemisa. Officials cite power outages and insufficient electricity generation as the main reasons for the crisis, which disrupts the operation of pumping systems.
Chapman was accompanied by Rubén Campos Olmos, director of the Unión Eléctrica, and leaders from the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources. During a working meeting, she acknowledged the presence of "numerous problems" but emphasized the potential to restore water supply sources despite the country's economic struggles.
"Priority must be given to identifying key sources in the provincial capital and municipalities," Chapman stated. She urged an evaluation of wells, rebumping systems, the condition of backup generators, and fuel requirements. She also called for setting completion dates to restore each water source.
Chapman further noted that despite the challenges, the province has water and advocated utilizing surface water sources and employing gravity-fed systems to take advantage of the terrain's natural properties, as reported by the source.
Plans for Gradual Water Supply Restoration
The government’s strategy aims to gradually restore water supply in the cities of Matanzas and Cárdenas, along with other municipal capitals. However, the success of these measures relies on repairs and energy solutions for systems currently unable to operate consistently due to electricity supply issues.
In the provincial capital, systems such as Bello, El Conde, Canímar, San Juan, La Julia, and Camilitos have permanent energy support. The Bello system has a capacity of 500 liters per second. Moreover, the connection of the Zona Media and Pedraja rebumping systems to a dedicated power line was recently completed, enhancing service in neighborhoods like Kilómetro, Los Mangos, and Simpson, according to media reports.
Challenges in Cárdenas and Other Municipalities
Guillermo Cue Lugo, director of the Provincial Water and Sewerage Company, mentioned efforts to restore the La Julia system using five wells, which would provide an additional 200 liters per second to the city. A new well is also being drilled in Bello to boost pumping capacity.
Cárdenas highlights another vulnerability of the service. Approximately 24,000 residents rely on the old La Cueva aqueduct, lacking energy backup. Chapman suggested installing a generator to maintain pumping during the national electric system's service hours.
Municipalities such as Unión de Reyes, Martí, Perico, Colón, Jovellanos, and Los Arabos face significant difficulties. Proposals during the meeting included repairing generators, relocating operational equipment to the most needy areas, connecting pumps to express power lines, and utilizing renewable energy sources.
Chapman emphasized the goal of ensuring uninterrupted water pumping for the population and urged a comprehensive analysis of water supply sources, rebumping systems, and distribution networks.
This visit to Matanzas followed a similar mission to Pinar del Río, where around 170,000 people experience regular water access issues, with 46 pumping and six rebumping units out of service, compounded by power outages exceeding 16 hours daily.
Recently, the official newspaper El artemiseño reported that nearly one-third of Artemisa municipality's residents depend on hydraulic networks but lack service, describing the situation as "very complicated."
The crisis extends beyond provincial borders. The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources has admitted that approximately 2.5 million Cubans have been partially or entirely deprived of potable water access due to power cuts.
In September, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs projected that the number could reach 3.5 million people.
Understanding Water Supply Issues in Cuba
What are the main causes of water supply problems in Matanzas?
The primary causes of water supply issues in Matanzas are frequent power outages and a deficit in electricity generation, which disrupt the operation of water pumping systems.
How is the Cuban government addressing the water crisis?
The government is working to identify key water sources, improving energy backup for pumping systems, and using natural resources like surface water to address the water crisis.
What measures are being taken in Cárdenas to improve water supply?
In Cárdenas, the government plans to install a generator for the La Cueva aqueduct to maintain water pumping during electricity service hours.
How many Cubans are affected by water access issues?
The National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reports that approximately 2.5 million Cubans face partial or total water access issues, with numbers potentially rising to 3.5 million according to the UN.