Santiago de Cuba, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a crisis in the production of regulated bread, but in this case due to the local mill being shut down for lack of wheat, an essential raw material for flour production.
In a report from the local television station, Manuel Iranzo Morales, director of Molinera Santiago de Cuba, explained that the industry responsible for converting wheat into flour is currently halted due to a shortage of the grain.
"Our industry is responsible for processing raw wheat and converting it into flour for making bread. At this moment, we find it paralyzed due to the lack of raw materials," the official stated, highlighting the profound crisis the country is undergoing.
During this period of inactivity, the mill has opted to carry out maintenance and internal organization, a measure that, although necessary, highlights the lack of planning and total dependence on a basic essential like wheat to ensure the production and distribution of flour.
In light of this situation, in a country where the fuel crisis is serious, the flour intended for subsidized bread is arriving from the mills in Havana, reported Jorge Luis Arce Ferrer, director of the Provincial Food Industry Company.
The distribution is organized in a rotating manner among the municipalities of the province, which has turned the bread sold in the store into a luxury.
"Rotativo means that today we are targeting Santiago de Cuba with the first round, and tomorrow, when the next one arrives, we will go to another municipality to cover 100% of the population in that municipality," explained Arce.
The official denied rumors about restrictions on distribution: “The bread is for 100% of the population in the assigned municipality, not just for those under 13 years old.”
The governor of the province, Manuel Falcón Hernández, assured that every Monday an official update will be provided on the distribution of the regulated family basket, including the status of flour and bread, which does not address the shortage of the product at all.
In addition, he reiterated the call for the public to obtain information exclusively through official government channels and state media, as a way to ensure strict control of information.
The crisis of regulated bread has reached critical levels in several provinces of Cuba, with direct effects on the daily food supply of the population.
The regime admitted that they are delivering a foul-smelling and unpleasant-tasting bread to the people of Cienfuegos, made with aged flour and distributed on alternate days due to a lack of supplies.
In Camagüey, a complete halt in the distribution of the product at sales points has been reported, leaving thousands of families without access to the most essential food item.
The lack of supplies has forced even industrial production to halt, creating a landscape of absolute uncertainty among the residents.
Meanwhile, Santiago de Cuba is facing a persistent shortage that has forced state bakeries to operate at less than half of their capacity.
The population is forced to wait in long lines with no guarantee of being able to purchase the product, and there have been reports of bread deliveries with deteriorated texture and flavor. Local authorities have acknowledged that there is no short-term solution.
Similarly, in Guantánamo, the situation has led to an extreme rationing, where bread is only distributed to individuals considered vulnerable, such as elderly people living alone, pregnant women, or small children.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Shortage of Flour and Bread in Santiago de Cuba
Why is there a shortage of flour in Santiago de Cuba?
The shortage of flour in Santiago de Cuba is due to the shutdown of the local mill because of the lack of wheat. This situation has forced reliance on flour supplies from Havana, complicating the distribution of the regulated bread in the region.
How does the lack of flour affect the distribution of bread in Santiago de Cuba?
The distribution of regulated bread is organized in a rotating manner among the municipalities, meaning that each time flour arrives from Havana, it is decided which municipality will receive it. This turns bread into a luxury, as there is no certainty about when it will be baked again in each area.
What measures have the authorities taken to inform about the bread shortage?
The governor of Santiago de Cuba has ensured that an official update on the distribution of the regulated family basket will be provided every Monday. However, this measure does not address the product shortage and reflects the government's strict control over information.
What is the impact of the bread shortage on the population of Santiago de Cuba?
The impact is significant, as bread is a staple food in the Cuban diet. The absence of this product particularly affects the most vulnerable sectors, such as children, the elderly, and low-income individuals, increasing frustration and discomfort among the population.
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