a look at the infrastructure, politics and society of cuba · a look at the infrastructure,...
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People to People International Public Works Delegation to Cuba – November 2013
PRESENTATION BY:
KIMBERLY ROBINETT, FE LARRY FREVERT, PE, PWLFCITIZEN AMBASSADOR DELEGATION LEADER
APWA Congress 2014
&
A Look at the Infrastructure, Politics and Society of Cuba
History of APWA and People to People Joint Delegations
China 2005 India 2007
Russia 2011China 2009
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Delegation to Cuba – November 2013
Delegation Objectives
Aging infrastructure, fiscal challenges and changing workforce demographics are issues facing Public Works Officials worldwide and a main focus of the American Public Works Association.
This delegation will attempt to understand the challenge and opportunities these issues cause for Public Works Officials in Cuba. Exchanging ideas and best practices with our Cuban public works colleagues will allow both hosts and guests to benefit from our mutual professional expertise.
Delegation Objectives
Site visits and discussions with public officials regarding transportation, water and wastewater, solid waste disposal and recycling and public utilities.
Preservation of historic structures and artifacts within the public realm.
Funding sources utilized to provide basic public works services. Objectives to deal with climate change issues and in
particular sea level rise. Changing demographics of work force and how training is
provided to incoming employees.
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November 16, Air Travel – Miami to Havana
Cuba National Guide - Damián
Amistur Representative - Armando
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Getting Around Cuba – Amistur Bus (Luis, Driver Extraordinaire)
Base of Operations-Quinta Avenida Hotel, Havana
1492 – Christopher Columbus lands in Cuba1868 - Ten years war1895 - Cuban war of Independence1959 – July 26th Movement
Cuba History
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Politics of Cuba Pre 1959 Batista Regime
1959 Reform Laws 1960 US Embargo 1961 Declares a “Socialist Cuba”
Education Healthcare Construction of infrastructure
1961 Bay of Pigs
1965 Declares Cuban Communist Party 1991 Fall of Soviet Bloc
Economics - Centro de Estudios de la Economia Cubana
Professor Jorge Mario Sanchez
1990s shift in the economy resulted in four recent economic eras in Cuba
Primary Economic Challenges: Tourism
Havana is overpopulated
Two currencies
Losing the cream of the crop
Reform to improve the economy: Reduced government subsidies
Introducing taxes
Cubans can buy and sell homes and cars
Self-employment & Co-ops for some state jobs
Cuba’s Economic Trends
Pre-19901990-2000
2000-20062006-2007
Current
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Potential Cuban Economic Driver - Oil
Cuba Today Economic Reform
Citizens are allowed to travel overseas Internet – very limited access US Embargo the “Cuban 5” & Alan Gross
Committee for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR)
Engineering Union of National Architects and Engineers of
Construction in Cuba -UNAICC Challenges
Aging infrastructure
Lack of resources
Geographical Location- Cuba vary susceptible to a wide range of natural and manmade disasters
Water storage
3 Major Projects Currently in Havana Almendares River Park
Havana Bay Clean-Up
Old Havana Restoration
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Roads & Highways
Road network of 70,229 miles including 18,533 miles of paved roads
The central highway (La Carretera Central) Finished in 1931
706 miles for the length of the island
4 lane highway with some divided sections
Highest bridge in Cuba built in 1960
Soviets began implementation of a national highway system in 1970s
Almendares River Basin The basin is about 1,730 acres
The focus of this restoration project is the final 5.9 miles of the river, before it flows into the Straits of Florida
This portion of the river flows through 4 municipalities with more than 200,000 residents and several industries
Almendares River Park (Parque Metropolitano) Master Plan Planting selections with special religious and social significance
Educate the public on the importance of the River
The project also included walking paths, 25 schools, restaurants, and recreational features
Havana Bay Rehabilitation Havana Harbor Water Quality Improvement Study
33 mile² area that includes 10 municipalities 9 major wastewater lines
The “Siphon” Re-pumping Station Self-Cleaning Bar Screens Mainline to treatment plant east of the city
Upgrade Approach 1.1 mile collection system infrastructure Chemical treatment processes for industrial & commercial areas “Green” treatment processes for upper reaches of the harbor
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Historical Preservation in Old Havana Old Havana Historian’s district is comprised of 214
hectares of Old Havana Management strategies for preservation
Restore
Preserve the facade
Refurbish the inside to modern levels
Demolish
Profit Distribution 45% is reinvested the district
35% is put to work in social programs
20% is given back to the Central Government
Las Terrazas Project – A BiosphereThe Las Terrazas Project is a “biosphere” project of about 5,000 hectares (2,000 acres), where the government has restored the land after decades of over-use There are 3 elements to the project:
Men
Nature
History
Project success is evident in the San Juan River
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA)
Ms. Heminia Serrano MendeźCITMA Director
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Cuban Society - Convento de Nuestra Señora de Belén
Cuban Society - Núñez Jiménez Foundation
Yociel Marrero Báez
Cuban Society - Street Party Sponsored by the CDR
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Cuban Society - The Children of Havana
Cuban Society - Tour of Community of Regla
Cuban Society - Walking Tour of Old Havana
Welcome to San
Francisco Square!
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Cuban Society - El Patio de Pelegrin in Pinar del Rio
Senor Mario Pelegrín Pozo
Cuban Society - El Patio de Pelegrin in Pinar del Rio
“Congratulations and best wishes. What you are doing here will have a positive effect now and in the future.”- People to People USA Delegation-November 2013
Cuban Society - Hotel Nacional
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Cuban Society - Cannon Blast at the San Carlos La Cabana Fortress
Cuban Art - Fuster Project
Jose Fuster, “Picasso of the Caribbean” / “Neighborhood Genius”
Cuban Art - Fuster Project
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Cuban Art - Hamel Avenue Project
Salvador Gonzalez Rodriguez
Cuban Art - Fine Arts Museum of Havana
Cuban Entertainment - Evening at Bueno Vista Social Club
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Cuban Entertainment – First Free Night in Havana
Cuban Entertainment – Second Free Night in Havana
Cuban Food
