Cuba's Growing Garbage Crisis: El Calero Neighborhood Suffers...

What Happened

Improvised landfills are growing uncontrollably across Cuba, turning neglected corners and empty lots into mountains of waste. This situation is starkly visible in the "Hermanos Cruz" neighborhood, known as El Calero, in Pinar del Río, as captured in a recent video.

The lack of systematic waste collection forces many families into desperate measures. Facing overflowing garbage, residents resort to burning the waste to reduce its volume.

Where and When

The issue is widespread, affecting various regions from western to eastern Cuba. The video from El Calero, Pinar del Río, highlights a specific instance of this nationwide problem. These makeshift dumps coexist with homes, schools, and workplaces, illustrating the daily reality for many.

The burning of waste occurs as a direct response to the inaction of authorities, creating visible pollution and immediate dangers to the surrounding community.

Why It Matters

This escalating garbage crisis significantly deteriorates the environment and poses a direct threat to public health. The burning of waste releases toxic substances, exacerbating respiratory illnesses, particularly affecting children and the elderly.

Moreover, these fires can spread to nearby vegetation and homes, especially those with lighter construction, posing a fire hazard. The landfills themselves become breeding grounds for infectious diseases, attracting rodents and insects, and increasing the burden on an already strained healthcare system.

What Parties Say

While the article does not include direct quotes from specific parties, it implies a lack of official intervention, pushing citizens to take hazardous actions. The narrative suggests that the population's actions, while understandable, are a symptom of systemic neglect.

The situation reflects a broader problem that requires structural solutions and institutional coordination, alongside citizen participation.

What Comes Next

The article underscores the need for urgent, structural actions to address the garbage crisis. It calls for better coordination among institutions and greater citizen involvement to tackle the issue effectively.

Without these measures, the problem of uncollected waste and its consequences will continue to escalate, impacting the quality of life and the future health of Cuba's communities.