The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC) has officially begun the installation of underground high voltage electrical cabling along the iconic Avenue Costanera – José Asunción Flores. This marks a significant step in modernising Asunción’s urban infrastructure. The project also support greatly the social and environmental transformation of the city’s riverside area.
Underground cabling to replace overhead wires
The project entails the burial of over 2.7 kilometers of electrical cables. It will allow for the removal of the current overhead lines. The transition to underground infrastructure will improve urban aesthetics and safety. This initiative aligns with Asunción’s vision of creating a more resilient and environmentally integrated city.
Foundations for the Eco Inclusive District
The underground cabling work is directly tied to the development of the Eco Inclusive District. An urban project that will provide housing and services to over 700 vulnerable families from the “La Chacarita” neighbourhood. This district will promote social inclusion, sustainable development, and improved living conditions. In the same area of Asunción, the new Science Museum will be build.
The underground cabling will guarantee that the future homes, public spaces, and infrastructure in the Eco-District will be free from visual pollution and integrated into a modernised energy grid.
Investment and execution of the cabling project
The work was awarded to the Tocsa-Tecnoedil Consortium for Gs. 67.091 million (around US$ 9 million). The project is financed by the World Bank through the Urban Resilience Program. The National Electricity Administration (ANDE) is in charge of the technical supervision of the project, while the MOPC oversees its overall execution. The project will be carried out over 12 months, and includes a comprehensive traffic management plan, coordinated with the Municipality of Asunción to minimise disruptions.
Towards a modern, sustainable Asunción
This effort is part of a strategy to transform Asunción into a more inclusive, organised, and sustainable city. According to MOPC officials, moving cables underground is essential not only for aesthetic improvements, but also for enhancing electrical safety and resilience in one of the city’s most emblematic and vulnerable areas.
The underground electrical system will also be complemented by drainage, sanitation, and road paving works, all of which are vital to achieving the long-term goals of the Eco-Inclusive District.
