OREANDA-NEWS. December 01, 2015.  CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, granted a loan for USD 100 million to the Republic of Paraguay to increase and maintain the service of a part of the priority network of neighborhood roads, and replace bridges in the eastern region of the country.  

This loan, the second stage of one of similar characteristics approved in 2014 for USD 50 million and currently under execution, is aimed at improving, rehabilitating, and maintaning close to 350 kilometers of neighborhood roads in the departments of Caazap?, Guair?, Misiones, Amambay, and San Pedro, as well as the replacement of 191 wooden bridges by concrete bridges in the departments of Concepci?n, San Pedro, Guair?, Caaguaz?, Caazap?, Itap?a, Misiones, Paraguar?, Alto Paran?, ?eembuc?, and  Canindey?. The executing agency is the Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC, for its acronym in Spanish), through the Direction of Neighborhood Roads. 

Enrique Garcia, Executive President of the Institution, stated, "Investments in the infrastructure sector are key to increase the country's development, modernize its road system, and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. The loan complements CAF's actions in Paraguay, which seek to create a more competitive territory, physically, economically, and socially coordinated".  

In addition, with its actions aimed at improving Paraguay's road network, CAF approved another loan for USD 100 million to execute road works to rehabilitate, improve, and maintain 459 kilometers of roads located in the departments of Cordillera, Central, San Pedro, Paguar?, Caaguaz?, Guair?, and  Caazap?.

The Institution's President added. "CAF's infrastructure agenda is aimed at developing physical connectivity between the different regions of Latin America, as well as improving coordination within each country. This support will contribute to increase competitiveness, employment generation, construction, and maintenance of a sustainable and efficient infrastructure". 

The works, which have been prioritized within Paraguay's National Development Plan (PND, for its acronym in Spanish), include the establishment of links between departments and cities of the region, promoting trade in areas of logistic development, as well as strengthening relations with other countries through works with the Paraguay-Parana Waterway. 

Thus, CAF supports its member countries in the design of policies, strategies, and rehabilitation and maintenance plans for infrastructure works according to their priorities and needs.