The Cuban government will sell construction materials and mattresses to those affected by Hurricane Oscar

The Cuban government announced aid measures for those affected by Hurricane Oscar in Guantánamo, including discounts on construction materials and subsidies.

CiberCuba Editorial Team

February 11, 2024 - 7:44 PM (GMT-5) |

After Hurricane Oscar passed through the eastern region of Cuba, the Cuban government established the sale of construction materials and mattresses for those affected by the storm in Guantánamo province.

According to the state newspaper Granma, Yanisley Ortiz Mantecón, Deputy Minister of Finance and Prices, reported that the phenomenon resulted in significant material damage, particularly to homes, ranging from total collapses to partial roof losses.

In a press conference held on Friday, Ortiz Mantecón explained that, in response to this situation, the state will subsidize 50% of the cost of construction materials for those whose homes have been affected.

Additionally, the price of mattresses intended for the affected individuals will also be subsidized, a measure included in the recent Agreement 9991 from the Council of Ministers, published in the extraordinary edition number 47 of the Official Gazette of the Republic.

The Deputy Minister stated that those whose income does not allow them to purchase the necessary materials and goods can apply for bank loans and subsidies from the State Budget or seek Social Assistance for financing, in accordance with current legislation.

However, these measures from the Government have sparked skepticism among many Cubans who have heard similar promises during previous disasters, yet never saw the promised aid arrive in full.

In other recent events, such as the passage of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, the government also promised financial and material support to those affected. However, beneficiaries faced lengthy bureaucratic processes, delays in the delivery of materials, and prices that were unattainable for a population already experiencing a severe economic crisis.

Moreover, although the State claims to subsidize 50% of the cost of materials and offers credits and grants, the reality of state stores is quite different: construction materials are often out of stock, and when they do become available, prices are prohibitive for most. These obstacles, coupled with rising inflation, severely restrict the ability of those affected to rebuild their homes.

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