Laureles isolated again due to terrible road conditions

The community of Laureles in Paraguay's Ñeembucú department faces renewed isolation as the road connecting it to Yabebyry remains in deplorable condition after recent heavy rains. The approximately 30-kilometer stretch has become waterlogged and muddy, impeding or completely blocking vehicle traffic.

Truckers and delivery drivers have been stranded, needing assistance from local ranchers' tractors to navigate the worst sections. This situation severely impacts Laureles' residents and the transport of goods to local businesses. The recurring problem, which Mayor Fermín Candia describes as a long-standing issue of neglect, has led to widespread frustration among the populace.

Candia voiced his indignation, stating that despite years of appeals to authorities, the community remains "physically disconnected" and feels "postponed and forgotten." He criticized the insufficient maintenance provided by a contracted company, deeming simple road grading inadequate for the persistent issues. The mayor stressed the urgent need for a fundamental solution to ensure year-round transitability between Laureles and Yabebyry.

Residents' hopes now rest on the proposed Southwest Corridor project, which aims to construct a paved road linking Yabebyry to Pilar. This 154-kilometer project, with an estimated cost of $286 million funded by a loan from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF), is seen as a potential long-term solution to the area's chronic infrastructure problems.

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Solamente se dedican a hacer el perfilado de vez en cuando, y eso no soluciona el problema del camino.