Villarrica, Paraguay – The reconstruction of Villarrica's bus terminal is proceeding smoothly, with the city government announcing a target completion date of October 2025. The project has achieved a 54% completion rate, marking significant progress in the revitalization of this vital transportation hub.
The total project cost amounts to 5,165 million guaraníes, funded through royalty funds, demonstrating a substantial investment in the city's infrastructure. Mayor Magín Benítez described the reconstruction as a "historic event" for Villarrica, highlighting the necessity of the project due to the severe deterioration of the previous terminal. "Citizens were reluctant to arrive at the old terminal, often disembarking beforehand," he stated.
The new Villarrica terminal is designed as a multifunctional complex, integrating commercial spaces with efficient passenger and cargo transport systems. The construction company, Bogado Construcciones, is adhering to the 15-month construction timeline, with no reported delays to date.
"At the current pace, completion may be possible even before November," a city official emphasized, stressing that "safety and quality are the top priorities in the construction." The previous terminal, which had served the city for over 80 years, was demolished in August 2024 due to extensive aging and safety concerns. Architect Carmen Airaldi, the city's construction officer, explained, "The main stages, including the foundation, concrete structure, general masonry, and flooring, have been completed, and the metal structure and main roofing work are currently underway."
The need for reconstruction was critical, as the previous terminal had suffered from over 15 years of delayed renovations, leading to serious infrastructure and safety issues. Merchants reported problems such as leaks, cracks, congestion, and sanitation issues, and nighttime shoplifting incidents were frequent.
Currently, shops, travel agencies, and taxi drivers are operating from a temporary terminal located 1.5km from the original site. Cristian Barreto, a travel agency employee, expressed, "Commercial activity at the temporary terminal is very low," and conveyed a strong desire to return to the original location. This reconstruction project promises to significantly improve transportation services and revitalize commercial activity in Villarrica.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
