Recovery actions in the municipality of Regla. Workers of the Casa Blanca Shipyard assume responsibility.
Photo: Lissett Izquierdo Ferrer/Cubadebate.

By María Josefina Arce 

Havana has been immersed for weeks in an intense transforming activity. To the usual noises of numerous communities have been added others to the satisfaction of its residents.

 These are the sounds that accompany the renovation and maintenance works of stores, educational and health centers, houses, parks, streets and water networks to improve the conditions of the neighborhoods, where most of our lives are spent.

These necessary actions, which have required a great effort, are being carried out in more than 60 areas. The difficult economic situation of the country generated by COVID-19 and the reinforcement of the US blockade, which hinders socioeconomic development, is well known.

In addition, the arrival of COVID-19 led to the allocation of substantial resources for the care of the sick and the isolation centers set up to prevent the spread of the pandemic. 

In addition, vital hygienic and sanitary measures were adopted. All of this slowed down the pace of the work that had already been carried out as part of the neighborhood care program.

The communities farthest from the center of the Cuban capital are today the object of this transforming process, which also seeks to bring basic services to facilitate the daily life of its inhabitants.

Photo: Radio Rebelde

Contact with the population has been and continues to be essential. Listening to their problems, needs and criteria must be at the core of these actions, as pointed out by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, who throughout these weeks has visited different neighborhoods of the capital and talked with their residents.

Delegates and deputies of the People's Power are also present in these areas, since they were appointed by the people to represent their interests and bring their concerns to the different authorities in order to find solutions.

In the last few months, the Youth Brigades of Social Work, made up of students of all educational levels, and mostly residents of these areas, have also become regular elements in the communities.

It is worth mentioning that these brigades are not limited to the Cuban capital, but have been set up throughout the archipelago to work for the welfare of all citizens.

The essence of their work is to get close to the communities and their problems, and try to make solutions feasible. The young people have already demonstrated their enthusiasm and commitment with tasks in isolation centers, agriculture and investigations to detect cases of COVID-19.

The neighborhoods are being transformed and renewed. Work has been carried out day and night, in an effort that involves everyone and for the good of all Cubans, to guarantee their peace of mind in any aspect of their daily lives.