Cuba is promoting a vast program of construction and recovery of water distribution networks, considering this vital resource is in a depletion phase and is subjected to fierce privatization processes in other parts of the world.

In the Caribbean nation, where there are efforts to reduce problems of water supply, access remains flexible, even 75% of the population uses it through direct connections to their homes.

However, the lack of maintenance in the old distribution systems of the aqueducts due to lack of funding in a poor and blockaded country, affects the sharp loss of the pumped liquid.

Authorities of the National Institute of Water Resources recently presented the damage caused to the economy by the conductive leaks in current distribution networks and connections in homes to Cuban deputies.

In explaining to legislators gathered in commissions related to the management issues of the organization, specialists showed that the annual water loss is a billion cubic meters, more than half of the total contribution.

They talked about additional and unacceptable costs for a local economy also punished by the global financial crisis and internal weaknesses that hamper its efficiency.

Cuba proposes reverting the present diversions of water due to leaks to the highest extent possible, valued at more than 676 million pesos in national currency.

The National Hydraulic Resources Institute promotes a plan focused on the construction work and rescue and supply of the conducting networks.

Just during this year the government expenditures for this purpose amounted to 400 million pesos in national currency, in contrast to the 50 million dollars disbursed in 2000.

Given the magnitude of the works in 11 cities including the 3 most populous, it is expected that the benefits are not immediately tangible, but progress will substantially eliminate losses.

Fortunately, the country will save hard currency thru sustaining the program for the rehabilitation of water networks in the productions of three local factories.

There are also projects underway to build four transfer stations to fetch water from different reservoirs that store runoff in areas of higher rainfall.

The current hydraulic investments in Cuba may be advanced, despite financial constraints, thanks to the prevailing view that water is a common good of humanity.

This basic resource is not considered as a commercial good, although it is fair that the government works in a progressive system of footage, with accessible rates subjected to adjustment to force big spenders to pay more.

The rehabilitation of networks, the construction of diversions and new controls on water use in Cuba should encourage rational consumption and a culture of conservation in this regard.

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