Can Asunción sort out its infra problems?

A burst water pipeline during election night is putting Asunción's reelected mayor Óscar Rodríguez on the spot.

On the campaign trail, Rodríguez vowed to increase rain drainage coverage from 22% to 50% and boost overall infrastructure maintenance. Such work is necessary because in 2020, only 17% of the city’s 586bn-guaraní (US$85mn) physical investment budget was allocated, according to a municipal council presentation in May.

The burst pipeline was built in the 1950s and flooded Fulgencio Moreno street (pictured), causing massive damage and water cuts. State water utility Essap and the municipality reported the emergency had been solved by Monday night.

Councilor Julio Ullón, an ally of Rodríguez, said during a broadcast council session that practically no rain drainage works were executed last year.

Suboptimal coordination between the city and national authorities has also caused problems. In 2018, roadworks awarded by the public works ministry (MOPC) were delayed because contractors could not access land as the city had not issued permits.

The city’s Metrobus BRT corridor even had to be canceled.

But feasibility studies for a US$300mn light rail PPP are expected to be finished by year-end.

OTHER PROBLEMS

Rodríguez is also facing charges alongside eleven councilors over alleged fraud, document forgery and unlawful appropriation.

The accusations stem from a waste management contract awarded by Rodríguez’s predecessor, Mario Ferreiro, in 2005. The prosecutor’s office alleges the authorities allowed a firm to win the tender despite knowing that its tax certificates were false.

Rodríguez, who was a councilor at the time, has rejected the accusations and claims to be the target of political persecution.