The restoration of basic services such as electricity, water, and telecommunications is progressing today in the eastern provinces affected by Hurricane Melissa, although much remains to be done for the population to return to normal.
The National Defense Council, headed by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, continued its systematic monitoring of recovery efforts in Guantánamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Holguín yesterday.
In a videoconference with territorial authorities, it was reported that the electrical service is showing significant progress: in Las Tunas, it covers 99.95 percent of customers; in Guantánamo, 96.45 percent; in Holguín, 79.76 percent; and in Granma, 73.44 percent.
Santiago de Cuba, with 29.23 percent of its population receiving power, is experiencing the greatest difficulties due to severe damage to its distribution lines.
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, reported that all substations in Santiago de Cuba will be energized by the National Electrical System within the next few hours, allowing for a significant improvement in service. Currently, 3,746 electrical workers are working in the eastern region.
Regarding water supply, it was reported that 96 percent of the population in Guantánamo is receiving service, 83 percent in Holguín, while efforts are underway in Santiago de Cuba and Granma to increase the current percentages of 57 and 55 percent, respectively.
According to a report from the Office of the President, the meeting also assessed the food situation, ensuring the availability of basic food items, and announced the deployment of 21 tractors and equipment to support agricultural recovery, where approximately 13,000 hectares of crops have already been rehabilitated.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero moderated the discussion, where the priority of restoring all services as quickly as possible was reaffirmed.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
