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A broad program including Havana’s 15 municipalities is underway to reach the 500th anniversary of its founding with a more beautiful and orderly city, and make the date one of the most important events of 2019.
Directed fundamentally toward socio-economic development, as well as strengthening the city’s identity and residents’ knowledge of its history, the program began in 2017. Since then a number of projects have been launched to address problems which have accumulated over the years in Havana’s neighborhoods.
These and other issues were reviewed in a meeting led by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of Cuba’s Councils of State and Ministers, with the Governmental Havana Support Group, created in 2012 by the Council of Ministers, and currently chaired by Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a Council of State vice president and minister of Economy and Planning.
Reynaldo García Zapata, president of the Havana Provincial Assembly of People’s Power, presented a summary of the tasks the Group is currently undertaking, among which he emphasized the importing of replacement parts for elevators and garbage trucks; replacement of equipment and maintenance in children’s parks; the installation of LED street lighting; and the incorporation of more modern equipment to repair streets.
Addressing the garbage collection issue, García Zapata reported that the city needs around 12,000 containers, of which 7,000 are being domestically produced, and the process of importing the rest is underway, he said, which should alleviate this perennial problem.
Later in his report, García described in detail plans for the anniversary celebration, in which neighborhoods will participate actively, adding that the event is not exclusively for residents, since Havana is the capital of all Cubans.
Mercedes López Acea, first secretary of the Party Provincial Committee, commented that works being executed are directed toward resolving issues of daily importance to the people, who have joined in voluntary work to help complete projects.
She emphasized the participation of the city’s university students, who have made a significant contribution.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez noted that the effort now taking shape was prioritized by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, who insisted on the creation of the government plan to support the capital, since resolving its problems require the help of all central state administration bodies.
He indicated that this collaboration must become regular, not only because of the upcoming anniversary, and called on all present to identify the tasks which most require citizen participation, so they can be more involved in the revitalization of the city.
We have good reason to be motivated, he concluded, to work for Havana’s 500th anniversary. (Taken from en.granma.cu)