(AFP) – Water shortages affecting nearly 29 percent of Cuba’s 9.4 million inhabitants are forcing residents to seek alternative sources of supply. From hand-dug wells to long lines at water distribution points, many Cubans are adapting to recurring outages and infrastructure failures that leave homes and businesses without running water. “I never thought I’d have this problem with water, just as I never imagined having to cook with charcoal or having to install solar panels to provide electricity,” says restaurant owner Kevin Martinez, as the US energy blockade on the island has worsened an economic and energy crisis.
