10 



THE CUBA REVIEW 



WORKMEN'S COTTAGES 



111 1910 tlie Cuban Cono:mss passed a law authorizing the Executive Department to construct 

 several thousand small (x)ttages, each to be assigned by lot to native born or natmidized Cuban 

 heads of families, of good conduct, having no personal resources other than the result of their 

 labors, and whose names are properly registered: The houses were Ijuilt of brick and tiles, at 

 least 13 feet high and to contain a living room, dining room, two bedrooms, kitchen, bath 

 and toilet. The lots to be at least 19 K? x 65 feet. Workmen placed in possession of these 

 houses pay $2.G5 within the first ten days of each month, which amount is applied to the 

 interest and amortization, ])ayment of water service and expense of administration. When 

 the possessor has repaid the amount of the actual cost of construction and the other obliga- 

 tions (which takes about 20 years time) t he state gives him a deed to the property. The houses 

 are exempt from the i)ayment of l)uilding fees, official charges and all taxes during the ten 

 years of the law. 



Up to the present time \}r,Q of these cottages have been constructed near Havana at Pogolotti 

 in the vicinity of Marinao and the Oriental Park Race Course. 



View of Cottages 



They are all occujiied, mostly l)y Cul^an negroes, who seem to appreciate their better sur- 

 roundings and the possibility of owning their home within their reach. These cottages are 

 most all completed and neatly furnished, and not as crowded as one would expect under the 

 existing conditions. The sanitary arrangements have not been good so far, but work is now 

 under way on a sewerage system which is l^eing carried on as rapidly as possible. At present 

 they have to pump their supply of water and deposit in tanks for household use, but a running 

 water system is being provided for. 



Under present economic conditions in Havana when so many workmen (cigar makers, etc.) 

 are only working part of the time, an arrangement has been made for the payment of one-halt 

 the regular monthly rate, viz., $3.12. In the event of a tenant being unaljle to ])ay rent after 

 a lapse of three months, under certain circumstances, he is forced to release any holding he may 

 have acquired in the property and find new cjuarters. 



These cottages are within easy communication of street-car lines to the city of Havana, 

 about ten miles away. 



A number of similar cottages ai-e now being constructed in other provinces tkroughout the 

 island. 



