Improvement and maintenance works are being planned for an important road link in Paraguay. The plan is to improve the PY12 route linking Chaco’i with General Bruguez, which runs parallel with a stretch of Paraguay’s border with northern Argentina.
According to a report from Paraguay’s Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), improving the road to a sufficient standard will cost around US$215 million. The project will be opened for bids in due course. A significant portion of the funding required for the work is expected to be provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB). Upgrading the road stretch will also help trade with neighbouring Argentina, a key issue for landlocked Paraguay. There are concerns however that improving Paraguay’s road links will have a negative environmental impact for the country.
The improved road will also provide an important connection for the new bridge being built that spans the Paraguay River and connects Chaco’I with Paraguay’s capital Asuncion. The bridge has been subject to delays and controversy regarding its design, as well as due to a number of irregularities. The 449m-long bridge was to have cost $115 million but now looks to come with a higher pricetag. The bridge is being built by a consortium, with much of the funding also being supplied by the IADB. But concerns over issues with the project led to an investigation being carried out.
