Alto Paraguay Public Transport Resumes After 77-Day Road-Related Suspension

Public transport services have been restored in Alto Paraguay, connecting communities like Bahía Negra and Fuerte Olimpo with the capital after a 77-day hiatus. The resumption of services marks a significant relief for residents who rely on these buses for essential travel.

The suspension was a direct consequence of the precarious state of the local roads. Heavy rains had rendered several sections of the routes impassable, halting all bus operations. This situation mirrors issues faced in previous years, highlighting a persistent problem with road maintenance.

Restoring service required collaborative efforts, with machinery from local ranches, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), and the Governorate contributing to temporary repairs. Governor Arturo Méndez acknowledged the provisional nature of these fixes, citing the vastness of the road network and limited budgets as key challenges.

Questions remain regarding the performance of companies contracted by the MOPC for road repairs, including Mawes S.A. and the firm led by engineer Miguel Ángel Chávez Hausman. Despite a contract exceeding 17 billion Paraguayan guaranis, these companies have yet to install crucial drainage systems, raising concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the repairs and the reasons behind potential payment delays from the MOPC.

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due to the extensive length of these roads and the lack of budget, only provisional repairs were being carried out.