Asunción's streets crumble as mayor prioritizes salaries over repairs

The capital city of Asunción is facing a severe infrastructure crisis, with streets and avenues in a state of alarming disrepair. Citizens are voicing strong complaints against the administration of Mayor Luis Bello, citing the pervasive potholes and inadequate maintenance as evidence of mismanagement. The situation is exacerbated by the municipality's apparent prioritization of salary payments and costly, short-term contracts for road repairs over definitive solutions.

Despite a significant tax burden on Asunción's residents, with over $12 million collected for road conservation between January and April 2026 alone, exceeding 65% of the previous year's total, the visible results are far from satisfactory. A closer look at neighborhoods like San Pablo, Terminal, and Vista Alegre reveals crumbling asphalt and deep craters, particularly on key routes such as Avenida De la Victoria, which has been impassable for over a month. The lack of historical maintenance for the city's drainage systems is identified as a primary factor contributing to the destruction of paved roads.

The public's frustration is palpable, with residents demanding immediate and effective action. The current approach, characterized by superficial patching rather than comprehensive repairs, has fueled a growing sense of neglect and a loss of confidence in the municipal government's ability to address the city's fundamental infrastructure needs.