Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Chaco (Agenzia Fides) - The isolation and abandonment in which state authorities have long since left the population of the Apostolic Vicariate of Chaco Paraguay, Paraguay, was strongly denounced by the Apostolic Vicar, His Exc. Mgr. Gabriel Narciso Escobar Ayala, SDB. The area in question is in the north of the country, near the border with Bolivia and Brazil. It has been raining non-stop for three days and the roads have been completely destroyed, leaving the population isolated.
"As a result of the lack of responsibility and commitment, we are isolated – the Bishop said to a local radio - . National authorities are responsible for this situation, because they have to ensure our people access to the capital and to be able to go to other cities without having major problems to return home".
The note sent to Fides Agency reports Mgr. Escobar Ayala’s complaint against local politicians, who despite holding positions in the area, spend most of their time in the capital. "Puerto Casado, Carmelo Peralta or Bahia Negra are large districts of Upper Paraguay that are used as a launching pad for politicians to get to money and fill their pockets", said the Apostolic Vicar.
Mgr. Escobar cited the problem of isolation experienced by populations due to the rains: in an area where the roads are in terrible condition. Recently, the situation has been further complicated by the fault of a plane that transported goods and people, and has not been repaired yet, making it impossible to access the area. "This is why we are making an appeal to the national authorities who are in the capital. We are also Paraguayans", said the Bishop. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 27/05/2014)
