Residents of the Buena Vista neighborhood in Caacupé, Cordillera department, held a peaceful protest Wednesday morning against the possible installation of a telecommunications antenna in the area. The mobilization began after machinery was spotted on a plot of land where, according to residents, there are plans to build the structure.
The residents requested information from the local government about any process or authorization related to the project but have yet to receive an official response. Johana López, one of the residents leading the protest, said the community’s concern started last December when rumors began circulating about the installation of a 5G antenna in the area.
"We submitted an official request through the proper channels asking for information about any project or documentation related to this construction because, so far, we have no official knowledge of the situation," López said.
The residents point out that the land is just a few meters from a school serving about 200 students and is surrounded by family homes. During the demonstration, participants also questioned the work being done on the site. They said that on previous occasions, machinery was brought in for activities related to the alleged drilling of an artesian well, but they believe these were part of the preparations for installing the antenna.
Wilma Ferreira, another resident involved in the mobilization, emphasized that one of the main concerns is the chosen location for the project. "We understand that this type of structure must meet certain requirements, and we believe that the proximity to homes and the school is an aspect that should be carefully evaluated," she said.
The residents have already gathered more than 100 signatures opposing the potential construction, and a public hearing on the matter is scheduled for July. "We already have over 100 signatures from residents who have formally expressed their opposition to the installation of the antenna at this site," Ferreira said.
So far, no official documentation regarding the possible installation of the structure in the neighborhood has been released. The World Health Organization states that, to date and after numerous investigations, no causal link has been found between exposure to wireless technologies and adverse health effects, provided total exposure remains below international guidelines.