Poor state of Yabebyry-Laureles route raises concerns amid El Niño predictions

The poor condition of the 32-kilometer Yabebyry-Laureles route in Paraguay's Ñeembucú department is causing significant concern among residents and workers, especially with forecasts predicting the arrival of the El Niño climate phenomenon. The road and its bridges are in a perpetual state of disrepair, with current flooding exacerbating the difficulties of travel.

Workers who use the route daily describe navigating it as an "odyssey" due to widespread waterlogging, particularly in areas like Berti, Tavai, and Panchito López. The bridges along the route are in precarious condition, with many pipes broken. Locals warn that even moderate rainfall, around 50 millimeters, could make crossing the bridges virtually impossible.

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If a little more than 50 millimeters of rainwater falls, it will be practically impossible to cross the bridges. This is because the few existing pipes are all broken.

Past efforts to address the issue have been insufficient. In November 2023, the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) conducted only superficial work, such as grading and material hauling, without tackling the underlying problems. Sandbags have been used as a temporary measure to cross damaged sections, a solution that washes away with the first rain.

Concerns are mounting that the situation will worsen as El Niño intensifies. The potential consequences include isolated communities, disruption to the transport of local produce, and hindered access to essential services like healthcare and education. While the route was announced as part of the Southwest Export Corridor project with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), there have been no concrete advancements or legislative approvals.

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Please, may the National Government put the road and bridges in condition; the MOPC is only throwing sand, which washes away with the first rain and is gone again.