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The Cuban regime has extended the water distribution cycle to nine days in the city of Ciego de Ávila, a measure that directly impacts the daily lives of its residents and reflects the seriousness of the water crisis facing the region.
The measure, described as a "necessary evil" by the state-run newspaper Invasor, is a response to the critical state of the Ruspoli aquifer, one of the main sources of supply for the provincial capital, which has shown a constant decline in its water levels since 2020.
According to authorities from the Ciego de Ávila Hydraulic Exploitation Company (Eahca), since the end of 2024 the well has been operating below the critical level, which means that water is being extracted from static reserves, a situation that is unsustainable in the long term.
In this scenario, it was decided to restrict the use of the aquifer, keeping it solely as a source for certain rural areas, while the main city began to be supplied from the Southern Basin, through emergency infrastructure created in 2017.
The extension of supply cycles also impacts economic, social, and agricultural entities, many of which must reorganize their activities due to the lack of water.
In the rural areas supplied by the aquifer, crops with lower water demands, such as cassava and mango, are being promoted in an effort to adapt.
Despite efforts to monitor the aquifer with automatic sensors installed through international projects like Euroclima Plus, the situation remains critical.
Between 2020 and the present, 24 of the 30 months considered "rainy" recorded precipitation levels below the historical average, which hinders the natural recharge of the aquifer, the cited source emphasized.
Meanwhile, the population is facing the consequences of the shortage: longer waiting times for supplies, the need for storage under unsanitary conditions, and a growing sense of insecurity regarding access to a vital resource.
Experts emphasize the need to strengthen environmental education campaigns and the rational use of water, particularly in communities and schools.
However, the extension of supply cycles reveals the Cuban regime's inability to guarantee basic services in the face of climatic phenomena that, although predictable, have not been managed with sufficient foresight.
In 2023, the lack of rainfall led to nearly 50,000 residents of Havana remaining without access to drinking water. The situation in Havana —one of the most densely populated areas in the country— highlighted the absence of sustained investment in hydraulic infrastructure, exacerbated by the deterioration of pumping and distribution systems.
In 2024, the drought made headlines again, leaving Cuba's largest reservoir at only 15% of its capacity, which further limited agricultural irrigation and human water supply options.
This critical decrease in water storage highlighted the regime's lack of effective contingency plans, amid a recurring climate cycle that repeats year after year without any sustainable mitigation actions being implemented.
However, last February, despite the unfavorable water situation, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel insisted on showcasing optimistic figures regarding the production of buffalo meat and milk, which were disconnected from the reality faced by thousands of families still struggling with water and food shortages.
Frequently asked questions about the water crisis in Ciego de Ávila
Why has the water distribution cycle in Ciego de Ávila been extended?
The Cuban regime has decided to extend the water distribution cycle in Ciego de Ávila to nine days due to the water crisis facing the Ruspoli aquifer, which has been operating below critical levels since late 2024. This measure has been implemented as a "necessary evil" to manage the water shortage and prevent excessive extraction of stagnant reserves.
How does the water shortage affect the population of Ciego de Ávila?
The water shortage in Ciego de Ávila significantly impacts the daily lives of its residents, who are faced with longer wait times for water supply, the need to store it in unsanitary conditions, and an increasing sense of insecurity regarding access to this vital resource. The extension of supply cycles also affects economic, social, and agricultural entities that must reorganize their activities.
What measures are being taken to address the water crisis in Ciego de Ávila?
To address the water crisis, the use of the Ruspoli aquifer has been restricted, and emergency infrastructure has been implemented to supply water from the Southern Basin. Additionally, in rural areas, crops with lower water demands, such as cassava and mango, are being promoted. However, these measures are insufficient, with ongoing issues such as frequent power outages and leaks in the pipes further complicating the situation.
What role do climatic conditions play in the water crisis in Ciego de Ávila?
The climatic conditions, particularly the lack of rainfall, have been a key factor in the water crisis facing Ciego de Ávila. Between 2020 and the present, 24 of the 30 months considered "rainy" recorded precipitation levels below the historical average, which has hindered the natural replenishment of the Ruspoli aquifer and exacerbated the water shortage in the region.
How has the Cuban regime responded to water management in Ciego de Ávila?
Water management in Ciego de Ávila by the Cuban regime has been criticized for its inability to ensure basic services in the face of predictable climate phenomena. Although automatic sensors have been installed to monitor the aquifer through international projects like Euroclima Plus, the lack of foresight and effective management has exposed the regime's ineffectiveness in addressing the water crisis.
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