Paraguayan Minister's Management Called 'Worst in Recent Times' by Congressman

The current administration of Paraguay's Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) is among the worst in recent history, according to legislator Arnaldo Valdez. The liberal party representative from the Frente Radical highlighted significant issues plaguing the ministry's operations.

Valdez stated that the MOPC owes millions of dollars to road construction companies, a situation that jeopardizes the survival of several firms and negatively impacts the national economy. He also pointed to widespread inaction, evidenced by paralyzed construction projects, neglected highways, and accidents attributed to a lack of maintenance. "The ministry accumulates debts with road companies in the millions of dollars, generating millionaire losses for the national economy and pushing companies in the sector to the brink of bankruptcy," Valdez asserted.

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The ministry accumulates debts with road companies in the millions of dollars, generating millionaire losses for the national economy and pushing companies in the sector to the brink of bankruptcy.

The legislator further criticized Minister Claudia Centurión for her alleged indifference and for ignoring the country's needs. He linked recent tragic events, including fatal road accidents like the one in Pedrozo, Ypacaraí, which killed six people (four from the same family), directly to the ministry's poor management and inefficiency. In the department of Misiones, Valdez noted a complete lack of progress from the MOPC on various projects.

Specifically, he mentioned that the coastal defense project in Ayolas remains stalled, and a commitment to pave the Ayolas – Ruta 1 road through cooperation between Yacyretá and the MOPC has not materialized. The "Ruta del Progreso" in San Juan Bautista is also experiencing significant delays, with its third section completely halted and other sections deteriorating. The road connecting Arazapé and San Miguel is described as abandoned and a site of numerous accidents. Valdez claims this dire situation is not isolated to Misiones but is a national problem, with the MOPC failing to provide concrete infrastructure solutions. Despite these widespread issues, he noted that Minister Centurión retains political backing, directly supported by President Santiago Peña.

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In Ayolas, the coastal defense project remained only in speeches. Nor was there a response to the commitment of cooperation between Yacyretá and the MOPC for the paving of the Ayolas – Ruta 1 road.