Cathedral of San Blas restoration project nears completion after fire

Four months after a fire damaged the roof of the Cathedral San Blas in Ciudad del Este, the comprehensive restoration project is entering its final phase. Wilson Benítez, a member of the reconstruction committee, announced that the architectural plan, created by professionals from the Catholic University, is nearly complete and will be officially presented next week.

Following the presentation, the documentation will be submitted to Itaipú Binacional to initiate the administrative process for bidding on the restoration work. Benítez clarified that while an expansion of the cathedral was considered, it was discarded due to insufficient space, particularly for parking. The focus remains on a complete restoration of the existing structure.

The architectural design is based on an extensive study of structural pathology, including analyses of concrete, wood evaluations, and a full 3D scan of the building. These assessments confirmed that the cathedral's overall structure is sound, though a significant portion of the roof requires replacement. The timeline for the restoration's completion depends on the selected contractor, with estimates suggesting it could conclude by late 2026 or early 2027. The cathedral suffered a fire on February 9, and masses are currently being held in a smaller, less suitable parish hall. The parish also faces financial challenges, struggling to cover half its expenses, prompting plans for fundraising activities.