The partial suspension of transport means in Ciego de Ávila, caused by the fuel deficit, has forced the provincial leadership of the sector to implement a plan of measures aimed at sustaining essential services.
In the area of passenger transport, the Basic Business Unit of National Buses maintains a daily departure of one bus destined for Havana, scheduled for 11:40 at night.
Regarding rail service, the provisions of the Ministry of Transport are complied with: the list of travellers who have been unable to travel is given to the passenger manager, for their relocation on trains determined by the Directorate of Railways of Cuba.
Priority for the Health Sector
The priority, however, is concentrated on support services linked to health. According to information provided by Olga Gener Pérez, Transport Delegate in the Avilanian territory, the transfer of haemodialysis patients is guaranteed both in the provincial capital and in the capital of the municipality of Morón, and in peripheral communities such as Ceballos, Vicente and other localities.
Likewise, the transportation of those patients who are hospitalised is ensured, through a pass service with collection on Fridays and return to hospitals on Mondays, so that they have the opportunity to enjoy the family environment.
For this task, 28 light cars and 16 electric tricycles are available. The latter also support the Maternal and Child Programme and contribute to the mobility of passengers on the different routes established in the municipalities of Ciego de Ávila and Morón.
In addition, on Sundays at 10:50 at night, transfer to Havana is ensured for patients with scheduled medical appointments. From Monday to Friday, a bus departing at 9:00 in the morning heads to Camagüey to transfer patients undergoing oncology treatments.
Support for Education and Other Services
The transportation of teachers from special schools and the night duty service in student centres is also maintained.
Regarding the transportation of workers to the northern keys, currently only the transfer of airport workers performing security and protection functions is guaranteed.
Transportation of Cargo and Strategic Items
In terms of cargo, transport units ensure the movement of strategic economic and social items. The extraction of rice from the port of Nuevitas is maintained, with an average of two lorries per day from the ENCARGA base and others from TRANSCONTENEDORES.
The transfer of food — especially flour from the province of Cienfuegos — and other products from Havana to Ciego de Ávila is also guaranteed, according to allocation, as well as the distribution of products from the food industry and supplies destined for public health.
Although Isla Azul’s scheduling does not correspond directly to transport in the province, daily monitoring is maintained to ensure reservations. Likewise, the demands of TAXISCUBA are supported through its travel agencies.
Strengthening the Vehicle Fleet
Regarding the strengthening of the vehicle fleet, the Transport Development Fund has achieved the purchase of electric equipment, such as vans and minibuses, which will gradually be incorporated into our province.
The use of available means in all entities is being optimised, prioritising only duly justified services. Boarding points have been reinforced with inspectors and technicians who supervise daily compliance with the adopted measures.
The implemented measures seek to sustain the vitality of basic services amidst energy limitations, prioritising health, education and strategic sectors for the economic and social life of the territory.
