Paraguay's state electricity utility, ANDE, has initiated the socialization process and census for the Valenzuela-Guarambaré high-voltage transmission line project, a work of approximately 70 kilometers financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The infrastructure, which is part of the High Voltage Transmission System Expansion Program – Phase II, will cross the territories of five municipalities: Valenzuela, Paraguarí, Carapeguá, Sapucaí, and Escobar.
According to lawyer Laura Aranda, head of ANDE's Office of Socio-Environmental Responsibility, presentations to the communities have already begun and will extend into next week. The goal is to inform about the project and begin compensation for the 165 landowners affected by the line's right-of-way.
ANDE emphasizes that the mechanism used is an economic compensation, not an expropriation indemnity. "The line does not pass over the home, but along the property boundaries. They remain the owners and can use the area for low-height crops and pastures," explained Aranda, differentiating the process from those carried out by the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC).
To define the compensation values, a socioeconomic census is being conducted by the consultancy firm Weimpact, hired by the IDB, together with technicians from the state utility. The field work will take place from July 20 to 31, exclusively with residents located within the right-of-way. The amounts will vary according to the location and size of each property, based on MOPC and Cadastre tables.
ANDE reported that all of the consultant's technicians will be accompanied by its own properly identified personnel during the visits. For inquiries or complaints, the public can contact ANDE's Directorate of Environmental Management via WhatsApp.