On the eve of the 58th anniversary of Che’s death in Bolivia, the Sculptural Complex dedicated to preserving his memory and that of his fellow fighters is undergoing major restoration efforts aimed at safeguarding this sacred site of the Homeland.
Reday Rene Armas, Director of the place, explained exclusively to Granma that the main tasks include repairing the two fountains located at the rear of the plaza, improving lighting throughout the area, including the avenues leading to the Complex, and restoring the irrigation system that helps maintain the gardens in good condition.
He also mentioned the fuel system for the two eternal flames: one located inside the Memorial that holds the remains of Che and his fellow fighters, and the other in the Mausoleum of the Combatants of the Las Villas Front. Both spaces are being remodeled, along with the museum that displays valuable objects linked to the Heroic Guerrilla Fighter and those who accompanied him in the Bolivian campaign.
Other actions being carried out to restore the beauty and functionality of this place, designated a National Monument since 2002, include, according to the director, eliminating leaks, improving climate control, repairing the entire water and sanitation network, and conducting a technical evaluation of the statue of Che, which stands majestically beside the square.
The restoration and maintenance work will be carried out in three phases. The first is scheduled to conclude on October 8, coinciding with the anniversary of the physical disappearance of the Hero of the Battle of Santa Clara.
The second phase is set to end on November 26, the date when Che assumed the presidency of the National Bank of Cuba; and the third on December 28, the day the Battle of Santa Clara began.
Since its founding, 5,712,000 people have visited the site to pay tribute to the hero, a paradigm of the new man he dreamed of and helped to forge.
