The
Asuncion Relocation Plan and How it Affects the PPP Plan
Background
The Franja Costera, or Riverside Project, refers to the coastal zone of
Asuncion that borders the Paraguay River, and
especially to the 1,7--
hectares of the 16 kilometers of coast line between the Botanical Garden Port and Cerro
Lambare. This is an area of great concern, as it is a low zone that tends to flood,
directly affecting it's fifty five thousand inhabitants. The Franja Costera will protect
795 hectares from flooding thereby better the lives of the area's residents.
The Program Proposed by the Municipality of Asuncion
 | Flood defense and coastal highway: Proposes the construction of 14
kilometers of coastal highway that will also serve as a flood wall using the hydraulic
terrace system. As an additional benefit, this project will solve much of Asuncion's
traffic congestion problems. |
| Residential neighborhoods and parks: Envisions the incorporation of 250
hectares of new land that will be made available to the private sector for it's
development. |
| Relocation of lowland residents: Converts 120 hectares of land into new
neighborhoods in which the actual residents of the high risk lowlands will be relocated.
These neighborhoods, located on land reclaimed through landfilling, will be equipped with
all the basic services and infrastructure necessary to properly serve the community.
|
| Consolidation of neighborhoods: Seeks to consolidate neighborhoods in
which a low standard of living exists although flooding does not occur. This urban
rehabilitation project anticipates the improvement of basic services and physical
infrastructure. |
| Protected natural habitat: 600 hectares of the flooded and reconverted
land will be designated as Protected Natural Areas and Parks. |
| Restoration of Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure, such as buildings
and warehouses, will be transformed into commercial and tourist attractions through
private and public sector initiatives. |
| Employment: The inhabitants of the Franja Costera will be given technical
and commercial training in order that they improve their chances of successfully entering
the job market. This program will allow the Relocation and Consolidation programs to be
sustainable and successful. |
| Executing agency: Municipality of Asuncion and the National Government
|
| Estimated investment: 300 million dollars (US) without financing costs
|
| Funding source: Currently being offered to public and private financial
organizations. |
How the Project Will Affect PPP
Ninety five percent of the PPP
sponsored families live in the Chacarita along
the Paraguay River and three blocks from the central city of Asuncion. This neighborhood
is next to the port and the property the families have built their shacks on belongs to
the municipality. This neighborhood will be the first to be taken down to start the
Project Franja Costera.
PPP has been in contact with the mayor of Asuncion in hopes of
developing a relationship to create some sort of partnership to relocate the PPP sponsored
families. After evaluation of the municipalities relocation plan, housing blueprints, area
of relocation and financial concerns, PPP decided to research and develop it's own
relocation plan. PPP's main concern is the size of the projected homes, which are too
small to accommodate some of the large families and the relocation area is already very
congested with existing marginal homes.
How can I help?
