Havana/The authorities of Havana – which is currently celebrating its 506th anniversary – are trying to contain a growing health crisis with measures that, rather than planned, seem desperate. This Saturday, the Government announced the hiring of 600 street sweepers, the accelerated collection of solid waste and the cleaning of cemeteries as part of a plan to “respond to the accumulated problems” in the capital, where the proliferation of mosquitoes and overflowing garbage cans threatens to aggravate the epidemic of dengue, chikungunya and other diseases.
It was in Matanzas – in the middle of September – where alarms began to ring due to the increase in arboviruses. In a few weeks, cases began to spread throughout the country, until health authorities recognized that at least 30% of the population had been infected at some point. What happened to make the situation get out of control? Dr. María Guadalupe Guzmán Tirado, director of the Research, Diagnostic and Reference Center of the Pedro Kourí Institute (IPK), explained that one of the causes is the disastrous waste management.
This Saturday’s meeting, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel along with part of the political and military leadership, reviewed what was presented as “progress” in the sanitation of the city. According to official figures, in the last week more than 93,000 liters of fuel were used to transport 96,500 cubic meters of garbage, an efficiency that the Government describes as “encouraging.” However, in the streets of numerous Havana neighborhoods, piles of waste are still visible, and citizens continue to denounce that collection cars are conspicuous by their absence.
The so-called “recovery of the sweeper’s job” includes the creation of 77 brigades, with uniforms, repaired carts and promises of food and means of protection. The authorities insist that this effort seeks to return “social discipline” to a city where, faced with the collapse of communal services, many residents are forced to throw garbage on any corner.
Faced with the collapse of communal services, many residents are forced to throw garbage on any corner
During the meeting, sanctions were also discussed: more than a thousand fines worth half a million pesos and arrests of people who collect raw materials in landfills, who are even accused of “spreading epidemics.” At the same time, the demolition of shacks and informal collection points was announced, in an attempt to “regain control” over the urban chaos that spreads through the capital.
The cleaning offensive extends to cemeteries and funeral homes, with repair work in 22 of the 24 Havana funeral homes and sanitation work in 16 cemeteries, including those in Guanabacoa and Santiago de las Vegas.
In health matters, the official plan foresees increasing the number of fumigation bazookas – the equipment used to disperse insecticide – from less than 450 to more than 750. In addition, 1,500 operators will be incorporated into the anti-vector campaign in the next two weeks, with the aim of covering more than 80% of the premises in the capital.
Although the authorities assure that fever cases have decreased and that medical investigations are increasing, the reality perceived in the neighborhoods is far from the optimistic image presented in the official media. The lack of water, prolonged blackouts and uncollected landfills continue to create the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the despair of Havana residents.
