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In the 21st century, over 10,659 families in Las Tunas still live in homes with dirt floors, a phenomenon that highlights the deep housing inequalities that persist in this province of eastern Cuba.
Despite the objectives set forth by the General Housing Law (Law 65), which establishes the right to a decent and comfortable home for every family, the reality reflects a scenario of stagnation and scarcity, according to a report from the local Periódico 26.
According to official data, the most affected municipalities are Jesús Menéndez, with 2,181 cases, and the provincial capital itself, with around 4,781 homes still lacking solid floors.
Iván Cheris Díaz, an official of the Provincial Government, explained that although the elimination of 3,735 mud floors was planned for 2024, only 69 were completed due to a lack of cement. He added that only 7% of the material needed for the housing system projects was received.
Solutions are implemented through two avenues: the state program, via contracts with construction entities, and self-effort, in which families can access bank loans and construction materials. However, both modalities are hindered by high costs, scarcity of materials, and issues with logistics and distribution.
Many of the current solutions use anti-acid slabs or alternative pavements, such as steel slag, marble, or traditional clay tiles, which, while addressing structural functionality, do not always meet aesthetic standards or fit the economic capabilities of the beneficiaries.
Carlos Cutiño Cruz, a specialist from the Provincial Housing Directorate, acknowledges that high prices severely impact the most vulnerable families: “The homeowner is the one who pays, and many times these are individuals who do not have the resources even to afford the most basic housing.”
The two main local plants responsible for manufacturing flooring in Las Tunas are currently closed due to a lack of cement. Only in 2023, the company Acinox delivered 33 tons of white slag to replace cement in various projects, but its production halted due to the energy crisis and technical failures.
Pablo Enrique Paneque, director of the Constructive Maintenance Company (EMAC), points out that the available alternatives depend on the creativity of the builders and the support from companies in other provinces.
In 2024, the Municipal Housing Directorate managed to eliminate only 14 dirt floors out of the 621 planned. For 2025, the goal is to remove 500 from legalized homes, although the availability of resources remains uncertain.
For its part, the Ministry of Agriculture, with a plan for 598 units, is focusing on unconventional materials such as clay tiles and lime-based binders, prioritizing rural areas like Manatí, Majibacoa, and Las Tunas.
The Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz himself acknowledged in 2024 that the actions to reverse this situation were “insufficient,” and urged the enhancement of local material production. However, to this day, production remains low, prices are high, and solutions are slow or inaccessible for many.
Eradicating dirt floors is not just a technical issue, but a social and political commitment that requires innovation, decentralized resources, and sensitivity to the economic realities of the poorest.
However, in recent years, the Cuban regime has prioritized investment in hotels and tourist facilities, sidelining the needs of families.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Housing Crisis in Las Tunas, Cuba
How many families in Las Tunas live in houses with dirt floors?
In Las Tunas, over 10,659 families live in houses with dirt floors. This figure highlights the deep housing inequalities in this region of Cuba, despite the objectives of the General Housing Law that aims to provide a decent home for every family.
Why haven't the dirt floors in Las Tunas been removed?
The removal of earthen floors has been primarily hindered by the lack of cement and other necessary building materials. In 2024, only 7% of the required cement was received, which has severely limited the planned construction projects.
What alternative solutions are being used to replace dirt floors?
To replace dirt floors, alternative materials such as acid-resistant tiles, steel slag, marble, and traditional clay tiles are being used. However, these options often do not meet aesthetic standards and are costly for many families.
What is the impact of the cement crisis on housing construction in Cuba?
The cement crisis has severely affected housing construction in Cuba, limiting the ability to meet construction plans. In 2024, only 10% of the installed capacity for cement production was utilized, which has significantly slowed progress in improving living conditions.
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