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The "mains" water was off in Old Havana because the old corroded iron pipes were being replaced, this had been going on for some time. Many people have large storage tanks on their roofs or anywhere they can fit them so water can be stored whenever it "arrives". The Casa owner said she was "waiting for a pipe". I was slightly perplexed at her usually very good english and eventually realised that she was waiting for a water tanker (or pipa in Spanish, literally a pipe). Around 100,000 residents in Old Havana, plus tourists, were supplied by tanker - a round the clock task, unofficially! Schools, hospitals and public buildings have first call, everyone else has to wait their turn, unless you have cash and know someone! Those deliveries took place in the dead of night out of sight of the watchful eye of the authorities. The Casa supply lasted 4 days at a time and there was a party atmosphere in the whole street when the tanker arrived to top up, I assume the cost of silence meant the neighbours also benefitted! It was amazing to see the tiny, by UK standards, tankers try to squeeze down the narrow streets, many of which are one way, let alone turn round corners. Here are a few examples.
Not everyone has a tank, the streets could be lined with buckets!
This one was petrol powered and required a push start from grateful residents!
Trying to make the corner.
Right of way.
Compostela next.
This one was petrol powered and required a push start from grateful residents!
Trying to make the corner.
Right of way.
Compostela next.
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