Neglect leaves Ayolas vulnerable to floods as costs soar

Ayolas is suffering the consequences of persistent governmental neglect, which has eroded the community's assets, history, and sense of security. The disappearance of the old San José Mi pier, a symbol of the town's riverside identity, is a stark example of the decay caused by negligence. This indifference has left streets in disrepair, sports facilities unusable, and cultural spaces forgotten, demonstrating a widespread lack of foresight and political will.

Flooding, a predictable annual event due to the Paraná River's natural cycles, is treated with inaction by authorities. While the river typically floods in November and again between April and May, these recurring events are not met with consistent planning. The situation becomes critical during phenomena like El Niño, which intensifies river levels and multiplies the danger. This predictable threat is consistently ignored until floodwaters reach residents' homes.

Compounding the issue, a comprehensive coastal and riverside defense project, proposed in 2010 by former EBY director Fulgencio Rodríguez for $37 million, was never implemented despite having municipal backing and legal authorization for necessary expropriations. Promises of protection from subsequent administrations, including former President Mario Abdo Benítez and current President Santiago Peña, have remained unfulfilled. The estimated cost has quadrupled to $127 million due to delays and indecision, with the persistent excuse being a lack of funds. As Ayolas faces the imminent threat of El Niño, families live in anguish, aware that their homes and livelihoods are endangered not just by the water, but by the authorities' prolonged inaction.