Alberdi traders appeal for help after devastating fire

Alberdi traders arrived at the Ñeembucú Departmental Council with a direct plea for help after a fire devastated the city’s port commercial area.

The affected traders said they lost their stalls, merchandise, work equipment, infrastructure and, in many cases, savings accumulated over years to support their businesses. Several commercial structures were destroyed completely in the fire.

The traders spoke during a public hearing held as part of the council’s regular session. They were accompanied by Raquel Almeida, an Alberdi trader and municipal councillor, and Francisco Núñez, representing the committee of stall owners from the affected area.

In a letter delivered to council president Jaime Recalde, the traders requested immediate intervention from the Ñeembucú departmental government and the national government. They asked the councillors to act as intermediaries with the governor’s office and other state institutions to secure humanitarian aid and financial resources.

The main aim is to rebuild the destroyed stalls and create conditions for workers to reopen their sales points. The traders said border commerce provides the principal, and in many cases the only, source of income for numerous families in the area. Departmental councillors expressed solidarity with the affected families and said they would immediately begin the necessary institutional efforts.