The Paraguayan Sanitary Services Company S.A. (Empresa de Servicios Sanitarios del Paraguay S.A., or Essap) launched a significant project on Wednesday 17 September, 2025. The project involves renewing 500 kilometres of potable water pipes across Asunción and key areas of neighbouring cities. The Asunción waterworks upgrade aims to enhance service quality by replacing pipes that are up to 70 years old.
Luis Fernando Bernal, president of Essap, announced that work will take place across all 68 neighbourhoods of Asunción. The project will also include critical points in surrounding cities such as Lambaré, San Lorenzo, and Fernando de la Mora. Bernal explained that the project, anticipated to last 24 to 30 months, will involve almost 5,000 blocks, representing 40% of Asunción’s total.
Impact on neighbourhoods
Bernal stated that work will proceed daily in various neighbourhoods across the city. The goal, he emphasised, is to improve the city’s infrastructure from the ground up. Work on cobbled streets began immediately, with plans to complete each intervention on the same day to minimise disruption to residents. Night-time work will be undertaken in some cases.
The new pipes, made of PVC, are designed to withstand double the usual Essap water pressure. They are expected to have a lifespan of around 50 years. The project also includes pipe sectorisation, with larger diameter pipes placed in high-demand areas. The total investment exceeds Gs. 96,000 million (approximately US$13 million), directly benefiting an estimated 500,000 people.
Earlier in 2025, the Tarumandymí and Primavera de Luque communities inaugurated drinking water supply services that guarantee a permanent and quality supply. For about twelve years, residents of both areas have received drinking water for only a few hours a day, having to take turns using it or carry it in buckets or drums from the community tap.
Financing and workforce
Essap president Bernal highlighted that the new Asunción waterworks upgrade is fully funded by Essap’s own resources. This was made possible through a policy of rationalising fixed expenses and increased revenue collection in recent years. He noted that using internal resources will lead to significant savings compared to using external contractors.
The plan also involves a substantial mobilisation of human resources. Around 20 work crews, each comprising foremen and assistants, will carry out the work, ensuring the timely completion and efficient coverage of each affected area. This initiative, according to Essap, underscores its commitment to modernising water infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to essential public services.
