Paraguay court orders urgent repair of sewage pumping stations amid contamination crisis

A Paraguayan judge has mandated the repair of critical sewage pumping stations in Encarnación and Cambyretá within 45 days, responding to a lawsuit filed by the Municipality of Encarnación against the Binational Yacyretá Entity (EBY) and the state water company (Essap).

The lawsuit highlighted the dire state of abandonment and dysfunction of the sewage pumping stations, which has led to significant contamination, particularly from fecal coliforms, in the waterways surrounding Encarnación. Judge Nilda Benítez Caballero acknowledged the evidence presented, which included numerous findings demonstrating the extent of the pollution.

Judicial inspections conducted between July 24 and 29 revealed widespread issues among the 63 stations. Five were found dismantled and abandoned, 25 were non-operational for various reasons, seven had undersized motors, and 24 were equipped with only a single motor. These deficiencies have directly contributed to the contamination of local water bodies.

The court's resolution clarifies responsibilities, assigning Essap oversight for one station and EBY for the remaining 62, as they were never transferred to Essap. The ruling emphasizes the urgent need for repairs to mitigate the environmental damage and protect public health.

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Numerous pieces of evidence are present in the case file that demonstrate beyond any margin of doubt the degree of contamination, especially due to the presence of fecal coliforms, verified in the watercourses surrounding this city, a direct result of the deficient functioning of the sewage pumping stations implemented by EBY and which also involves ESSAP.