Asunción’s ambitious urban renewal continues apace as the second stage of the “Centro Brilla” (Shine Centre) project moves forward, authorities have confirmed. The initiative, aimed at modernising the city’s historic heart ahead of its 500th anniversary, will see a substantial new ₲8.6 billion investment in underground cabling and efficient public lighting.
The announcement came during the V Session of the Commission “Asunción – 500 Years”, held at Mburuvichá Róga. President of the National Electricity Administration (ANDE), Félix Sosa, detailed progress on the scheme, which is promoted by the Office of the First Lady and executed by ANDE.
Palma Brilla completes first phase with record investment
The first stage of the project, known as “Palma Brilla”, has already been successfully completed at a total cost of ₲38,600,000,000 (approximately US$6,000,000). Carried out in just 85 days, the works transformed Palma Street and its surroundings by relocating overhead electrical networks underground and installing modern high-efficiency LED lighting.
These changes have marked the beginning of a broader urban transformation, improving both aesthetics and functionality in one of Asunción’s most emblematic areas while reducing visual clutter from traditional power lines.
New ₲8.6 billion investment for “Centro Brilla” second stage
The second stage of “Centro Brilla” will receive a further investment of ₲8,664,880,000 (approximately US$1.335.800). This phase builds directly on the success of “Palma Brilla”, extending the model of orderly, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure across additional streets in the historic centre.
Significant progress has already been made, with interventions on Presidente Franco Street now fully completed and work on Benjamín Constant Street currently underway. The developments form part of a coordinated effort to revitalise the city’s core.
Underground networks and LED upgrades
Work on Presidente Franco Avenue covers the section between Antequera and Hernandarias, encompassing 17 blocks of medium- and low-voltage lines, including intersecting streets. The project was tendered under National Public Tender (LPN) No. 1743/2023.
On Benjamín Constant Street, the works run from Alberdi to Hernandarias and affect eight blocks. Like the previous interventions, they involve the conversion of overhead lines to underground systems and the installation of contemporary LED lighting, executed under the same public tender.
Support extended to historic La Recova building
In parallel, ANDE is contributing to the enhancement of the La Recova building through the reorganisation of electrical networks and improvements to its lighting. These measures form part of the wider urban revitalisation process in the area.
Mr. Sosa highlighted the scope and speed of the “Palma Brilla” project during his presentation, noting how the rapid execution had helped recover valuable public space and set a benchmark for future works in the capital.
Broader anniversary preparations
The “Centro Brilla” initiative is closely aligned with preparations for Asunción’s 500th anniversary celebrations. By modernising essential infrastructure while preserving the historic character of the centre, the project aims to create a more attractive, safer, and sustainable environment for residents and visitors alike.
Officials view the scheme as a model for how targeted investment in public utilities can drive meaningful urban improvement. With the second stage now advancing, the historic streets of Asunción are expected to “brilla” – shine – even more brightly in the months ahead.
