Paraguay starts road works for US$180mn

Statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Communications of Paraguay

This is an automated translation of the press release issued in Spanish

This morning, in the city of José Falcón in the department of Presidente Hayes, with the expectant presence of residents and local authorities, the Minister of Public Works and Communications, Eng. Claudia Centurión, gave the order to start the highly anticipated "Enabling and Maintenance Work of route PY12 ", from the Nanawa crossing to the Gral. Bruguez district, including accesses.

“From the Ministry of Public Works we are starting the PY12 route, a 166 km route, with an investment of more than USD 180 million, which really is a dream cherished by all the residents of Bajo Chaco because it will bring dynamism and progress. to this entire region and it will connect us,” said the head of the MOPC.

At the same time, he highlighted the impact it will have on livestock production. “Today they will be able to arrive with their trucks much faster, safely, that will have a positive impact on all products,” he stated.

According to the Secretary of State, “today a space of opportunities opens up for the installation of industries and also the generation of labor, issues that will impact the lives of more than 100,000 people who will see this transformation from the completion of a route.”

Quality is guaranteed

At another time, the minister referred to the modality implemented in this work, which is not only construction, but maintenance by the companies for 4 years. “This means that we guarantee both the quality and the service that will be provided during the following years,” he stressed.

Finally, he mentioned that it is the request of the President of the Republic, Santiago Peña, that these works generate a direct impact along their route and that citizens see their quality of life improved through decent work. “Construction companies are also committed, at the request of the MOPC, to generating local labor. We are doing joint and coordinated work with the Ministry of Labor and the SNPP (National Professional Promotion Service), with training for workers so that young people in the area can really obtain, even, their first formal jobs from here ", he claimed.

Strategic value

This initiative will promote the development of the Bajo Chaco by generating an integration corridor between Argentina and Paraguay through the construction of 166 kilometers that will be completely improved with asphalt.

The project includes the construction of 3 bridges, adaptation of embankments, drainage works and road safety. In addition, they provide road solutions for the cities of José Falcón, Nanawa, Ninfa and Gral. Bruguez, as well as direct benefits for indigenous populations settled in their area of influence.

Sections to improve

There are four lots awarded. The first of them starts at km 2.5 and goes to km 37.4. It contemplates the improvement of access to Nanawa, totaling 35.02 km, with the TEC Consortium, made up of the firms Tocsa SA , Ecomipa SA and Concret Mix SA, with a contract of G. 228,128,586,091, being responsible for it under supervision from the TGM Consortium for an amount of G. 10,645,045,453.

Two reinforced concrete bridges (75 m and 60 m), two toll and weighing stations, a supply station to control excess loads and a traffic counting station will be built on the main layout of this section.

For its part, Lot 2, 42.80 km long, begins at km 37.4 and reaches km 80.2. There the company in charge is the Avanza Chaco Consortium ( Construpar SA – Tecnoedil SA Constructora – Ocho A SA ) which has a contract for the value of G. 343,543,481,619. In this case, the inspection is in the adjudication process.

With respect to Lot 3, which begins at km 80.2 and goes to km 122.2, including access to the Ninfa community, totals 44.43 km and is the responsibility of the Chaco Road Consortium (Weell. Co SA- Teco SRL ) with an investment of G. 244,003,384,977, where the tasks will be supervised by CIA SA with a contract of 16,811,460,635.

Finally, Lot 4 will cover the last 38 km until km 160 and, together with access to the General Bruguez district, adds an intervention of 43.30 km plus a reinforced concrete bridge. This route was awarded to the Chaco Sur Consortium ( MM SA- Tecnología del Sur SAE - Proel Ingeniería de Augusto Ortellado Narváez- Compañía de Construcciones Civiles SA ) for 366,696,813,488. In the case of inspection, it is also in the adjudication process.

Structural package

As for the structural package, it will have a layer of asphalt concrete of between 4 to 5 cm depending on the area; 5 to 6 cm of asphalt base, CBR granular base, cemented granular subbase and, finally, the 20% improved subgrade.

Development and workforce

During the construction stage, a potential of 750 direct jobs is estimated in its 4 lots, especially for the residents of the area of direct influence of the work.

This venture is expected to directly benefit around 56,000 people and indirectly around 150,000, especially the inhabitants and producers of the districts of Villa Hayes, Puerto Falcón and General Bruguez, guaranteeing them permanent access to markets and services.

The PY12 National Route Enabling and Maintenance Project is of utmost importance, taking into account that it will facilitate the flow of products, mainly of livestock origin to the country's capital, quickly and directly, currently limited by climatic conditions and the state of said road.

It will also contribute to boosting international trade, since the highway is part of an integration corridor between Argentina and Paraguay, which will benefit the development of the country and the Bajo Chaco region.

Added to these benefits is faster access to basic services such as health, education, and social assistance, by allowing better connectivity with urban centers and hospitals, schools, etc., without forgetting the improvement in the quality of life. of the population by reducing travel times and the possibility of promoting tourism in the region, its local culture, and the natural and cultural heritage of Chaco.