Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, visited the Ariguanabo water supply source in Artemisa province this Thursday. His itinerary in Havana also included the "La Polar" Stadium and a solar-powered service station located in the capital's Vedado district.
As part of the follow-up to the Comprehensive Program to Ensure Water Supply in Havana, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez—First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic—visited the Ariguanabo supply source this Thursday; the facility is located in the municipality of Bauta, within Artemisa province.
At this source—which operates at the heart of the city's western system and supplies water to more than 23 percent of Havana's population (specifically in the municipalities of La Lisa, Playa, and Marianao)—the Head of State received a briefing on the Ariguanabo system. The visit was also attended by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy; the President of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez; the First Secretary of the Communist Party's Provincial Committee in Havana, Liván Izquierdo Alonso; and the Governor of the capital, Yanet Hernández Pérez.
During the meeting, and regarding the comprehensive program for the city, it was reported that generator sets are already being installed at water supply system pumping stations, and that progress is being made in preparing the sites for photovoltaic solar farms and energy storage facilities.
Discussions also extended to Santiago de Cuba province, focusing specifically on efforts to ensure water supplies in municipalities such as the provincial capital, as well as Guamá, San Luis, Contramaestre, and Songo-La Maya.
ELSEWHERE IN HAVANA
The second stop on the Cuban President’s tour was "La Polar" Stadium, the first in the country to feature synthetic turf—installed in 2017.
There—where the use of photovoltaic solar panels allows for night games—the President was briefed on a planned third phase of upgrades, which includes expanding the stands and installing modern technology. The visit provided an opportunity for the Head of State to advocate for promoting neighborhood sports and fostering integration between schools and local communities to develop sports such as soccer.
The President reminded officials, coaches, and experts that sports competition boosts self-esteem and develops talent, while also serving as an event that brings players' families together.
The third stop this Thursday morning was the solar-powered charging station located at 23 and J streets in the capital's Vedado district. This facility will have a positive impact on the surrounding community because—with its 18 charging points—it will enable the powering of tricycles used for solid waste collection.
After President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez concluded his visit to the charging station, Pedro Lizardo Garcés Escalona—president of the "Rampa" People's Council in the Plaza de la Revolución municipality—shared ideas regarding the solid waste collection project with the press team from the Presidency of the Republic of Cuba.
The community leader spoke to reporters about the 15 tricycles collecting solid waste across 15 electoral districts: "We have asked residents," he said, "to bring out their bags and place them in front of their buildings at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.—though in other areas we’ve suggested 6:00 p.m. to allow enough time. That way, the tricycle comes by and collects them."
Lizardo stated that the solid waste collection initiative “has had a very positive impact on the population” and noted that over twenty large-scale illegal dump sites have been completely eliminated in the “Rampa” People’s Council. He also highlighted an effort to restore street corners that had deteriorated due to the use of loaders and other heavy equipment during waste collection drives.
He acknowledged that organizational challenges remain and that, in some areas, a lack of civic discipline undermines “the environment we desire—the Rampa we desire.” He also reported on how this cleanup and beautification initiative is being extended to the municipality’s other People’s Councils.
Looking ahead, as Lizardo explained, the aim is to “move toward a circular economy and the recovery of raw materials.” The ultimate goal, as articulated by the president of the “Rampa” People’s Council, is to beautify sidewalks, gardens, and parks, and to improve an environment that has so much to offer those who live in or pass through the area.
