Federico Mora, chief of staff of the Municipality of Asunción, the architect Javier Corvalán and Álvaro Grau, interim mayor of Asunción, were on the program “In favor and against” of 5Días TV. On the occasion, they analyzed the current situation in the country’s capital.
Mora, pointed out that the problem of Asunción does not go through a low budget execution. But rather, due to the lack of resources to maintain an infrastructure that is used by more than 2 million people per day, but only 250 thousand contribute to the municipal coffers.
“We have 550 thousand inhabitants, for 20 years we have not had a variation of 50 thousand. But between them, only 250 thousand contributors a day. We have 1.7 million coming in every day. Every taxpayer is subsidizing the visitors. That is why the infrastructure does not resist. We have to see financing, a capital law for example”, he stated.
The chief of staff stated that they plan to cancel the previous bond issue for G 195 billion. The goal is to save that money on interest and generate a new credit line of G. 395 billion (US$ 50 million) and allocate it exclusively to river drainage. Since this represents the main need of the commune.
Álvaro Grau, councilman for Patria Querida (PPQ), refuted Mora stating that there is a money leak and therefore, it will not be enough to receive more resources.
In the ordinances an income is foreseen but it never reaches even 80%. Having more money could be interesting, but to spend it on what? The balance from 2016 to today has an execution of bonds or credits of 50%. That is, there is a balance of around 48%. The money to do works should not be lacking. There is deficiency on the part of the directions of the municipality. There is a management problem,” he commented.
PROPOSAL
At the end of June, Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez, mayor of the commune, and Federico Mora, proposed to the Municipal Board a project for the subdivision of public land located on the Costanera Norte. This due to the chaotic financial situation that the municipality is going through.
However, this project was taken with doubts by the councilors. Grau himself warned that the Costanera is losing its value due to insecurity and other factors. Therefore, a Territorial Reorganization Plan is required first before selling the properties.
Mora refuted Grau alleging that the waterfront has an environmental delimitation. With areas that cannot be touched. It also has a social area, serious projects that have been identified, as well as areas for private development.
THE PROJECT
The project covers the polygon located between Avenida Costanera and Gral. Santos. It is a property of 32 hectares. Mora stressed that the initiative arose already during the administration of Mario Ferreiro.
“You have to explain it more. We are going to hold the public hearings that are necessary,” the chief of staff finally stated.
Recently, Hugo Ramírez, a national deputy for the ANR (official party), had proposed that part of the seizures for drug trafficking and smuggling be allocated to the capital for the construction of storm drains. Since there is a need for US$ 137 million in that aspect.
