In an unusual occurrence in a centralized system like the Cuban one, a traffic officer fined a state-owned enterprise for carrying out work on public roads with an expired permit and without proper signage.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Reyna, Águila, and Ángeles, in the Centro Habana municipality, and was reported by the Municipal Assembly of the People's Power via its official profile on Facebook.
The infraction was committed by the Manufactured Gas Company, which was carrying out an excavation (known as "pique") without adhering to the established legal and safety requirements.
According to the post, the crew chief was fined, his expired permit was revoked, and he was instructed to urgently update it. However, the work was not halted, and an extension was granted to continue the tasks, on the grounds that it was necessary to prevent accidents.
A rarity in the Cuban state apparatus
Although it is unknown whether such internal sanctions have occurred in the past, this case is noteworthy because it involves one government body fining another state entity, which is unusual in a country with vertical control structures and limited public self-criticism.
In Cuba, the open and poorly repaired streets are one of the most persistent complaints among citizens. Numerous state-owned enterprises undertake works that break the pavement, whether for repairs of gas, electricity, telecommunications, or water supply, but they seldom restore the roads to their original condition. The result is an urban landscape characterized by uncovered trenches, hazardous potholes, and disruptions to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
A step toward accountability?
Although this situation might be viewed as an attempt to enforce institutional discipline and set an example, it also reflects the structural flaws of the state system, where the same public entities monitor, sanction, and allow continued operation without significant consequences. The fact that the company was able to continue the project after being fined could be interpreted as a symbolic rather than an effective sanction.
However, several users on social media have reacted with surprise, irony, and even a bit of hope, upon learning that for once, "someone in the government is giving themselves a slap on the wrist." In a Cuba marked by urban decay and chronic inefficiency, any gesture of official self-correction, no matter how small, does not go unnoticed.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fines and Public Works in Cuba
Why did the Cuban government fine itself?
The Cuban government fined itself because a traffic officer penalized a state-owned company for conducting work on public roads with an expired permit and without proper signage. This occurred at the intersection of Reyna, Águila, and Ángeles, in the Centro Habana municipality.
Which company was fined and why?
The Manufactured Gas Company was fined for carrying out excavation work without the necessary permits and failing to comply with required safety measures. Despite the fine, they were allowed to continue with the project to prevent potential accidents.
Is it common for the Cuban government to sanction itself?
It is unusual for the Cuban government to impose sanctions on itself due to its vertical control structure and lack of public self-criticism. Such actions are rare in Cuba, where state entities typically operate without significant consequences for violations.
What impact do poorly managed public works have in Havana?
The poorly managed public works in Havana result in streets filled with trenches and dangerous potholes, affecting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Citizens often complain that the roads are rarely restored to their original state after repairs.
What reactions has the fine against the government generated on social media?
The reaction on social media has been one of surprise and irony, with some users expressing a certain hope that this action may be a sign of self-criticism within the Cuban government. However, there is also skepticism regarding the actual effectiveness of the sanction.
Filed under: