Cuba’s Las Tunas Grapples with Escalating Garbage Crisis: A City Drowning in Waste

Las Tunas, Cuba – A growing wave of public discontent is sweeping through the eastern Cuban city of Las Tunas as a severe garbage crisis overwhelms municipal services and threatens public health. Authorities are now publicly acknowledging the problem, but are simultaneously placing significant blame on both residents and the burgeoning private sector, sparking debate and raising questions about accountability. This is a breaking news situation, and Archyde is providing up-to-the-minute coverage.

Authorities Point Fingers, Admit Systemic Issues

In a recent televised address broadcast on Tunasvisión and documented by the official newspaper 26, Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez, the first secretary of the Cuba Communist Party (PCC) in the province, identified waste disposal as a “greatest concern.” While acknowledging “organizational deficiencies” within municipal services, Rodríguez sharply criticized citizens for illegal dumping and private companies for generating increased waste without adequate disposal plans. He called for intensified dialogue with the non-state sector to address the issue.

Governor Yeleny’s tower Menéndez echoed these concerns, stating that garbage accumulation is outpacing the capacity of dwindling municipal workforces. She revealed a chronic shortage of trucks and tractors, announcing a restructuring of the city into four zones, an increase in waste collectors, and a push for contracts with private disposal companies. So far in 2025, 2,048 fines have been issued for waste-related violations, though officials emphasize prevention over punishment.

A City Losing Hope: Citizen Frustration and a Sense of Shame

The official press in Las Tunas recently reported a surge in “social indisciplines,” including illegal dumping, vandalism, and disruptive noise levels. A survey conducted by newspaper 26 reveals that 81% of residents identify fixed waste disposal as a major worry. Respondents described spontaneous dumps, waste filling potholes, and the dangerous practice of burning garbage – painting a grim picture of a city descending into disorder. Perhaps most concerning is a reported “alarming loss of belonging and respect for the common good,” coupled with a perception of impunity and official inaction.

“It’s a collective feeling of shame,” one resident reportedly told 26. “Places that used to be clean are now sinking into dirt.” This sentiment isn’t isolated to Las Tunas. Similar scenes are unfolding across Cuba, from Santa Marta near Varadero to areas surrounding major hospitals in Mayabeque province, prompting questions about a “galloping institutional indifference” towards waste management.

Beyond Las Tunas: A National Crisis of Waste and Responsibility

The situation in Las Tunas is symptomatic of a broader waste management crisis plaguing Cuba. Decades of economic hardship, coupled with a lack of investment in infrastructure and a complex political landscape, have created a perfect storm. The rise of the private sector, while offering economic opportunities, has also exacerbated the problem by increasing waste generation without a corresponding increase in disposal capacity. This isn’t simply an environmental issue; it’s a public health crisis waiting to explode.

Evergreen Insight: Effective waste management is a cornerstone of public health and sustainable development. Countries facing similar challenges – limited resources, rapid urbanization, and a growing informal sector – often employ strategies like community-based waste collection, incentivized recycling programs, and public awareness campaigns. Investing in modern waste processing technologies, such as composting and waste-to-energy plants, can also provide long-term solutions. However, these solutions require political will, financial investment, and, crucially, a sense of shared responsibility.

Governor Tornet also highlighted the deterioration of pedestrian walkways due to lack of maintenance and misuse, announcing a renovation program with restricted access for cyclists and vehicles, alongside increased enforcement. However, she stressed that all institutional efforts will fall short without active civic cooperation.

The situation demands immediate attention and a fundamental shift in approach. While acknowledging systemic failures is a step in the right direction, assigning blame without providing viable solutions will only deepen the crisis and erode public trust. The future of Las Tunas – and potentially other Cuban cities – hinges on a collaborative effort between authorities, businesses, and citizens to address this urgent environmental and public health challenge. Stay tuned to Archyde for continuing coverage of this breaking news story and ongoing SEO updates as the situation evolves.