Mon Sep 09 15:44:14 UTC 2024: ## Cuba’s Desalination Plant Brings Relief to Rural Community, But Challenges Remain

**BAYAMO, CUBA** – A new desalination plant in the rural community of Las Mangas, Granma province, has brought much needed relief to residents who have long struggled with brackish, undrinkable water. The plant, which began operating in August after five years of construction, processes 2,000 liters of water per day, benefiting nearly 2,000 people in surrounding villages.

The plant uses reverse osmosis technology to remove salt and impurities from the brackish water, providing residents with clean drinking water for the first time. The difference in taste and quality is noticeable, with many residents expressing their gratitude for the improved water quality.

However, challenges remain. The plant’s capacity is limited, and residents still rely on the brackish water for household chores. Furthermore, many residents remain hesitant to switch to the desalinated water due to their lifelong reliance on the brackish water, despite its potential health risks.

The problem of salty water is not unique to Las Mangas. Granma province, known as the “Key to the Cauto” for its namesake river, faces widespread issues with salinity due to a combination of factors including climate change, deforestation, and seawater encroachment. This leads to a shortage of potable water in many communities, with some relying on water tankers for their supply.

To address this, the Cuban government has embarked on an ambitious plan to construct numerous desalination plants across the country, aiming to improve access to clean drinking water for all. However, with only 76% of Granma’s population having access to piped water and just 38.7% receiving water at least once every three days, the challenges remain significant.

The desalination plant in Las Mangas represents a positive step forward in addressing the water crisis in Cuba, but further investments and initiatives are crucial to ensuring access to clean water for all citizens.

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