The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) of Paraguay held a press conference at Plaza Uruguaya in Asunción to clarify rumors about the possible felling of trees during the revitalization works. The call came after local residents protested against information that 37 trees would be removed.
The Vice Minister of Public Works, Hugo Arce, explained that the contractor, Consorcio Palma, conducted a forest inventory and a phytosanitary analysis of all trees in the area, as required by the contract. "The idea is not to touch any tree, unless it already poses an imminent danger to citizens," said Arce, adding that the technical report, which details the condition of each specimen, is being evaluated by the MOPC and the Municipality of Asunción.
The MOPC's Director of Public Works, Verónica Martínez, reiterated that the directive is to preserve the trees "whenever possible." She stated that the works are part of the Urban Resilience Project, which aims to enhance and improve public spaces. Martínez also mentioned that hearings are being held with residents to share details of the project.
During the press conference, resident Lourdes Gallardo interrupted to express her opposition, questioning the fate of green spaces and the absence of environmentalists present to explain the state of the trees. Another neighbor, Silvio Vázquez, complained about the lack of information and stated that the works had been stalled for a month, resuming only after a public mobilization.
Residents showed strong rejection of elements used in the recent renovation of Plaza O'Leary, such as the concrete benches. In an interview, citizen Sonia Patiño, who is part of a group of regular visitors to the plaza, criticized the lack of transparency regarding the use of the funding, which comes from a World Bank loan, and requested improvements like a dog park and attention to the children's play area.