Drought crisis in eastern Cuba

Tuesday, October 14, 2003

HAVANA, Cuba: According to CubaNet, Holguín province, in eastern Cuba, is undergoing a severe drought and the scarcity of water supplied to agriculture, cattle ranching and the population is reaching crisis levels.

The three main dams in the area, Cacayogüin, Güirabo, and Gibara, have enough water for 70, 13, and 150 days, respectively, according to experts of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources.

Lately very little rain has replenished the water behind the dams.

Authorities have provided 41 tank cars to supply water where otherwise unobtainable, but they cannot keep up with the demand.

The condition of the water distribution infrastructure, subject to decades of neglect and deferred maintenance, does not help matters. Leaky pipes waste an inordinate amount of water. Authorities have created an emergency group to patch the leaks, but in the capital city alone, more than 1,500 have been reported.

Health authorities are concerned that the scarcity of water will favor the spread of outbreaks like conjunctivitis and gastrointestinal diseases

  Back...

  Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed

  Printable version