Paraguay’s National Electricity Administration (ANDE) and the Office of the First Lady (OPD) have inaugurated a new section of underground cables and LED lighting in the Historic Centre of Asunción. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance security, restore the capital’s grandeur, and prepare for Asunción’s 500th anniversary in 2037.
ANDE President Félix Sosa described the project as an extension of the Palma Brilla scheme, launched a year ago. That earlier phase involved replacing all overhead low-voltage and telecommunications cables with over 7,000 metres of underground lines.
Inauguration of Plaza Uruguaya section
“Now we are inaugurating this first section which includes the installation of 30 LED lighting fixtures around Plaza Uruguaya and the Cabildo area,” Mr Sosa announced. He highlighted the positive reception of the Palma street revitalisation, which prompted the start of a second stage in February 2025.
This phase encompasses 50 blocks from Antequera street to Hernandarias, incorporating Estrella and Presidente Franco streets. Civil works on Presidente Franco Street and adjacent areas are around 70% complete, with electrical components at 55%. Completion is targeted for December.
First Lady hails “strategic transformation”
First Lady Leticia Ocampos called the development “a step forward that marks the visible continuation of a deep, responsible and sustained process of recovery of the heart of our capital.” She stressed the role of planning, investment, and coordination in advancing underground cabling and new lighting.
“This is a strategic project for the transformation of downtown Asunción,” Ocampos added. The works symbolise urban order, safety, and technology, fostering a city ready for orderly growth.
Broader revival initiatives underway
Ocampos noted that the projects eliminate overhead wiring clutter, restoring the original beauty of streets and historic buildings. She also pointed to complementary measures, including a historic property tax reduction for the historic centre, effective from January 2026.
Additional plans include an urban resilience strategy, a repopulation scheme for the centre, heritage restoration, and the cultural and commercial reactivation of Asunción. These efforts aim to build a modern capital ahead of its quincentenary.
