A project presented in the Chamber of Deputies proposes declaring a bridge over the Paraguay River in Puerto Antequera, in the department of San Pedro, to be of national interest and create a more direct connection between the Eastern Region, the Chaco and the Bioceanic Corridor.
The initiative was introduced by Representative Leonardo Saiz of the Colorado Party (ANR), representing San Pedro. He presented a draft declaration to recognize the project as being of national interest and recommend that the Executive Branch, through the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), move forward with studies and planning.
The text identifies Puerto Antequera’s location and its connection to the PY11 highway as strategic factors. The idea is for a future bridge to provide access to the PY09 highway and, from there, to the Bioceanic Corridor, which is part of the Chaco’s road network and expands logistical connections between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
The link could matter for regional transport because it would create an alternative crossing over the Paraguay River and access to the Chaco’s main routes. For producers and communities in the Eastern Region, it could facilitate the movement of people and goods toward the international corridor, although its effects would depend on studies and any eventual construction.
Areas that could benefit include Puerto Antequera, San Pedro del Ycuamandiyú and communities on the Chaco side, such as Barranquerita, Monte Lindo, Monte Alto, General Díaz and Buena Vista. The proposal also mentions potential benefits for producers and residents of Canindeyú and Caaguazú, who would have a more direct route to the Chaco.
In its justification, the project argues that the bridge would reduce the distances currently traveled to cross the Paraguay River, making it easier to transport people and goods. It also cites potential effects on access to services, job creation and economic activity in nearby communities.
The proposal does not authorize construction or set a budget, timetable or financing source. It is a political declaration intended to ask the government and the MOPC to assess the implementation of the infrastructure.
The text will initially be reviewed by the Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Petitions, Powers, Rules and Drafting. After the committee’s opinion, it may be put to a plenary vote. If it advances, the bridge would add a new connection point between the northern Eastern Region and the international corridor under development in the Chaco, but it would still require technical studies, licensing and public or private funding.