Storm drainage works in the San Pablo neighborhood of Asunción remain slow, leaving residents anxious as new rains approach. The project, started more than two years ago, was one of those promised by former Mayor Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez (ANR-cartista) with resources from the G8 bonds (2022).
At the intersection of Guatambú and Yporá streets, heavy machinery and backhoes are breaking up the asphalt to dig trenches and install precast concrete blocks. Traffic is completely blocked at the intersection, and forced detours are overloading alternative routes. Piles of dirt accumulated on the sidewalk pose a risk to pedestrians.
Residents fear that chronic delays in the drainage network will leave them vulnerable to flooding again. Weeks ago, the same area was hit by storms that caused destruction and even damaged work already underway. The main complaint is the lack of speed in placing the cellular galleries and permanently closing the pits.
The project was awarded by Rodríguez’s administration to the CCC Tecsul Consortium, represented by Mauricio Javier Cordero. According to the National Directorate of Public Procurement (DNCP) portal, of the G. 64.777 million budgeted, G. 22.852 million have already been paid. However, Rodríguez’s administration diverted part of the G8 bond resources to pay salaries and other current expenses, as documented by intervenor Carlos Pereira. Rodríguez resigned last August facing eight criminal proceedings, including an accusation of breach of trust, and is seeking to return to the Municipal Board.
Mayor Luis Bello (ANR-HC), the current administrator, is criticized for the slowness of the works, but residents attribute the chronic delay to the diversion of funds in the previous administration. Strict oversight by city technicians is one of the residents’ demands to ensure the project’s completion.