Asunción Residents Denounce Dangerous Delays and Unfulfilled Promises on Santo Domingo Drainage Project

Residents in Asunción's Santo Domingo basin are expressing frustration over a severely delayed storm drain project, denouncing broken promises from Mayor Luis Bello. The construction, which began in March 2025 with an expected twelve-month completion, has barely reached 30% completion, causing ongoing chaos.

The closure of Nuestra Señora del Carmen street, a key thoroughfare, has exacerbated the situation. Mayor Bello assured residents on May 20 that the street would reopen within ten days, but it remains blocked, intensifying the disruption for locals. This prolonged closure has turned the area into a "road labyrinth," isolating neighborhoods like Manorá and Santo Domingo.

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We have been in this situation for a long time. Although the works are advancing quite slowly, they have now opened an access for the residents of the place, but there is still a long way to go before it is opened to normal traffic.

Beyond the delays, residents are concerned about the quality of the work and the safety hazards created. Broken sidewalks and debris from heavy machinery make pedestrian travel dangerous. The construction has also blocked access to private garages, effectively isolating families.

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There is a lot of disorder from the people working here and the finishes are not safe or good enough, so walking around here is a real danger.

David Aquino, a local resident, described the situation as "a real danger" for pedestrians due to the disorder and poor finishing of the work. He highlighted the logistical mismanagement by the contractor.

Affected residents are demanding immediate action and rigorous oversight from the Asunción municipality. They urge Mayor Bello to take responsibility and fulfill his commitments to complete the vital drainage infrastructure.

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Mayor Luis Bello, take responsibility. Fulfill your commitments.