Asunción Collects $12 Million for Roads, But City Remains Pothole-Ridden

Asunción's streets are crumbling into a "road crisis" despite taxpayers having already paid over $12 million for maintenance in the first four months of 2026. This figure represents more than 65% of the total collected last year for street upkeep, yet the capital city remains riddled with unsustainable road conditions.

The administration of Mayor Luis Bello, of the ANR-HC party, continues the model of his predecessor, Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez, by prioritizing salary payments over essential infrastructure work. Official reports show that between January and April 2026, the municipality collected G. 72.952 billion (over $12.1 million) specifically for street maintenance. This amount alone is 56.62% of the entire annual budget allocated for this purpose.

The financial resources available to the municipality are not translating into improved road surfaces. Both main avenues and secondary streets suffer from chronic structural deterioration, forcing drivers into constant, unpredictable detours. This ongoing neglect leads to significant economic damage for vehicle owners, with frequent, expensive repairs needed for steering systems, tires, and shock absorbers.

Large, water-filled potholes, such as those at the intersection of Azara and Estados Unidos near the city center, make travel impassable. Similarly, vehicles navigate treacherous conditions on streets like Herrera esquina Pa’i Pérez. The situation not only impacts daily commutes but also represents a considerable financial burden on Asunción's residents.