Over 600,000 people in Cuba facing shortages of safe drinking water

China

Over 600,000 people in Cuba facing shortages of safe drinking water

2024-09-15 16:11 Last Updated At：20:37

More than 600,000 people in Cuba are struggling with access to safe drinking water, with authorities ramping up repairs in the breakdown-prone water system to ease the crisis.

Cuban authorities said the current water supply problem stems from breakdowns at water pumping stations due to technical failures and constant power outages.

Access to drinking water has been an issue on the island of Cuba for some time. This has forced people to endure a hot and uncomfortable summer season.

"We have a serious water supply situation. I can't mention a specific district, the water shortage affects us all. I live near here and my case is also critical," said Mario Mustelier, a Havana resident.

"I've experienced difficult times here because water has only been supplied once every four days to this zone. I've had to go to bathe or eat at one of my sons' places, because I live alone here," said Laudelina Piero, another resident in Havana.

Laudelina said water shortages have led her sons to use containers to store water and connect them to the house pipes for some relief.

The island's old thermal power plants have faced fuel supply shortages and equipment failures, causing power outages which affect both the industry and the residents.

After authorities made repairs to water pumping equipment, some districts in Havana have already seen an improvement in access to water.

"The problems seem to be solved. Water supply is returning to normal," said Havana resident Maria Teresa Batista.

Meanwhile, water resources workers are repairing and mounting new pipes and pumps to bring the water supply system back on its feet.

Chinese museums, cultural relic sites see 60 million visits during National Day holiday

2024-10-08 05:26 Last Updated At：06:27

Museums and cultural relic sites across China have received over 60 million visits during the country's week-long National Day holiday, which started on Tuesday, hitting a historic high, according to the National Cultural Heritage Administration.

Over 90 percent of museums have temporarily canceled reservation requirements to maximize their efforts in fulfilling the viewing demands of visitors.

Many museums have also launched a variety of new exhibitions and innovative activities. The Shanghai Museum prepared a grand exhibition on ancient Egypt, drawing enthusiasts ancient history from across the country.

"I come from Kunshan [in east China's Jiangsu Province]. I always think that the Egyptian artifacts are very mysterious, as if they hold many enigmas, so here I am trying to learn more," said a visitor.

"We hope to create more and better exhibitions and cultural products in the future, engage in more beneficial explorations, and continuously enhance visitors' cultural experiences in the museum," said Chu Xiaobo, director of the Shanghai Museum.

The National Day holiday, also known as "golden week," is usually one of the peak travel seasons on China's domestic tourism calendar.