827. Ten Percent of Cuba's Population Is Suffering from Water-Supply Problems

Water shortage is most acute in Old Havana

By EFE, June 9, 2012

More than 1,159,000 Cubans are currently suffering the effects of water-supply problems on the island, a state television news report said.

Havana, the nation's capital and a city of more than 2 million, has been the hardest hit, accounting for more than 808,000 of those affected, Friday's report said.

It said work to repair pipes to prevent leaks and improve service quality is concentrated in 11 cities on the Communist-ruled island.

The task is "very complex" because "difficulties have accumulated for years," the report said, citing water sector officials.

It noted that between 50-58 percent of the water distributed nationwide via pipes does not reach its destination and that that system accounts for 90 percent of water distribution on the island.

The report also urged "rational use" of water supplies by consumers as the island copes with the effects of climate change and and frequent droughts in recent years.