Streets in Havana are overwhelmed with garbage due to a significant reduction in waste collection linked to fuel shortages exacerbated by increased U.S. sanctions.
The streets of Havana are currently facing an unprecedented garbage crisis as piles of waste accumulate in various neighborhoods. This situation is a direct result of a fuel crisis that has been intensified by stringent American sanctions aimed at limiting oil supplies to Cuba. Residents are experiencing foul odors and an increase in flies due to the prolonged absence of waste collection services, which have severely diminished in the city.
According to reports from the government website 'CubaDebate,' only 44 out of the 106 garbage trucks designated for waste collection in Havana remain operational due to the ongoing fuel shortages. This drastic reduction in service frequency has led to significant setbacks in keeping the city clean. Cardboard boxes, plastic bags, and empty bottles have piled up at street corners, forcing drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to navigate around the growing heaps of trash.
Local residents have expressed their frustrations, with one citizen noting that it's been over ten days since a garbage truck serviced their area. Concerns are starting to spread beyond Havana, as similar situations are reported in other Cuban cities. With a population of approximately 11 million, Cuba is grappling with the implications of fuel scarcity not just in waste management but across various sectors, exacerbating the everyday struggles of its citizens.
