Minister Centurión addresses Pedrozo infrastructure delays and safety concerns

Paraguayan Minister of Public Works and Communications, Claudia Centurión, addressed the Senate regarding the ongoing infrastructure issues at the Pedrozo crossing on Route PY02. The meeting followed a fatal accident on August 15 that resulted in six deaths, including two members of the National Congress.

Centurión attributed project delays to legal disputes over land expropriations. Out of 220 expropriation files, 150 owners accepted official appraisals, while 42 cases required judicial intervention, preventing machinery from entering private property until resolutions were issued between February and August. She noted that the concessionaire, Rutas del Este, is working continuously to complete acceleration and deceleration lanes, with the goal of having the grade-separated solution fully operational by December.

During the session, senators criticized the project's design and the removal of traffic lights, labeling the latter a desperate measure following public outcry. Legislators also questioned the validity of contract addenda totaling over USD 230 million. Centurión defended the administration, stating that the high accident rate at the location predates her tenure and that the current technical standards for slopes and signage meet international safety requirements.