Residents of the Mbocayaty neighborhood, popularly known as La Piedad, in Asunción, report that the city government has abruptly halted their land titling processes, coinciding with the arrival of the Grupo Vázquez SAE conglomerate to the area. The conglomerate, chaired by Federico Miguel Vázquez, plans to build a real estate development on the site, and residents claim there is a strategy to pressure families into selling their properties.
Maria Roque Sánchez, who has lived there for 50 years, reports that despite paying taxes regularly, her property has remained categorized as "leased" since 2000. She also received visits from an intermediary identified as Gustavo Rojas, acting on behalf of Grupo Vázquez, offering purchase proposals. After refusing the offers, she says she faced even more obstacles at the city hall.
Carlos González, another resident of 34 years, began his titling process 32 years ago but has received no response from the municipal administration, led by Mayor Luis Bello of the Colorado Party (ANR), Cartes faction. He alleges that officials avoid resolving the situation because the land is highly valuable.
In addition to administrative barriers, there are reports of intimidation. Mirian Ramírez, a former resident, reported that private security guards, allegedly linked to Grupo Vázquez, broke into her home, knocked down walls, removed furniture, and took money. Despite filing a complaint with the police and the Public Ministry, the case has not progressed, while the court summoned her to testify due to a charge of "property invasion" filed by Rodolfo Manuel Fernández Almada, who is alleged to be a front man for the business group.
In light of the complaints, opposition and dissident councilors in the Asunción Municipal Council will request formal information about the situation. Councilman Humberto Blasco, of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party (PLRA), will request details about the occupation and regularization of the land near the Grupo Vázquez project. Meanwhile, Daniel Ortiz, a dissident from the ANR, will propose a complete survey of municipal lots in the neighborhood.
The pro-government councilman Miguel Sosa (ANR cartista), president of the Finance Committee, argued that the Council depends on technical reports from the city hall's directorates and that any irregularities are the responsibility of the municipal Executive. For its part, the city government, through legal director Jorge Sabaté, denied any delays in the processes and stated that the final decision on leases or sales rests with the councilors.
Residents say that about 45 families are being pressured to leave the area, with at least eight having already abandoned their homes. They demand transparency and speed in the titling processes, as many have lived in the neighborhood for decades and have invested in local infrastructure.