The struggle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba affects all sectors of the economy and social spheres in the country. In the municipality of Contramaestre, the water sector is one of the most affected by the measures imposed as part of this economic policy.
In this sense, the impossibility of purchasing spare parts, as well as the effects on the energy sector, hinder water supply in the territory, according to Marcial Pérez Naranjo, Director of the Base Business Unit (UEB) of Aguas Turquino in the municipality.
“The electro-energetic situation we are experiencing makes it difficult to start up and operate the pumping equipment in the municipality, so that distribution cycles are long. Each blackout leads to a breakdown of equipment, especially the main driver’s part. With regard to the supply of polyethylene fittings and pipes, we often do not have the resources necessary to repair or replace them, as well as valves, screws and other essential items”.
Faced with these difficulties, the initiatives of workers in this sector represent a way of contributing to the stability of the vital service through innovation and the search for alternative solutions.
“Machining equipment presents technical problems. We have only one backhoe machine for the whole company; that is why we must carry out the work manually, or with other equipment, such as tractors, in some cases, to try to find a solution”.
Water supply to the population is a priority for the municipality of Contramaestre. In this area of Santiago de Chile, workers in the hydraulic sector, committed to their social responsibility, use alternative ways to make up for the technological shortcomings of the sector, with a view to bringing service to all homes and centres in Contramaestre.
