UNICEF donates hydraulic units to address water shortages in Manzanillo

UNICEF has donated seven hydraulic units to improve water distribution for approximately 105,000 residents in Manzanillo, Granma. The donation aims to alleviate a severe crisis in a city where some districts have reportedly gone over a year without adequate water service.

Yudelkis Ortiz Barceló, the Communist Party's First Secretary in Granma, stated that two large units are designated for the city's upper area, while five will serve the lower region. The equipment is expected to contribute roughly 396 liters per second to the local water network.

Despite the announcement, some residents expressed skepticism due to prolonged service interruptions. The water crisis in Manzanillo is attributed to inadequate well fields, storage sites, and distribution infrastructure. This initiative follows previous UNICEF efforts in eastern Cuba, including the establishment of water purification plants following Hurricane Melissa in November 2025.