Challenges persist in Matanzas housing construction program .

This series of actions are part of a larger effort to revitalize and conserve the housing patrimony of Matanzas, crucial for the wellbeing of the people of people in this territory.

In the municipality of Matanzas, the progress of the housing, conservation and rehabilitation program shows an unfavorable panorama. To date, out of a plan of 293 houses to be built, only 66 have been completed, which represents 22.5 percent.

Despite the planning of twelve basic housing cells and 22 additional ones under the own-effort modality, compliance has been hampered by resource deficits, especially fuel. This scenario conditions not only the progress of the municipal program, but also the capacity of the rest of the province to meet the objectives set.

To strengthen the construction program, two Local Development Projects have been approved, especially one that is linked to the Construction Materials Production Company. It is expected that this will boost the production of essential materials, especially prioritizing the production of cobbles. However, this effort has not materialized due to the shortage of fuel needed to carry out operations, which has prevented the fulfillment of projections and meeting the needs of the municipality.

However, the architectural rehabilitation of the city of Matanzas, despite the limitations, is progressing steadily, focusing on the intervention of facades and interior spaces of various homes.

So far, 22 houses have been rehabilitated in terms of roofs and 789 in terms of façade painting. Building conservation actions are also underway, with special attention to areas such as the Armando Mestre (Naranjal) and La Playa neighborhoods, which have been prioritized due to their deterioration.

Looking to the future, the authorities plan to eliminate dirt floors in some homes in the La Marina neighborhood and the remodeling of one of the two citadels planned for this year.

Despite the intentions, the head municipality faces a complex reality in the development of the housing estate in Monticello, where 14 families are waiting for resources to resume the work. In terms of maintenance, 37 works planned for 2024 have been executed, highlighting interventions in the Health and Education sectors.

The Municipal Administration Council is working on a strategy to enable progress and achieve the goals set before the end of the year. This series of actions is part of a larger effort to revitalize and conserve Matanzas’ housing heritage, which is crucial for the well-being of the people of Matanzas.

Written by Enrique Tirse.