To understand the conflict going on in Asuncion, I think it’s important to see some basic, yet essential geographic, demographic, and economic profiles of our city.
Asuncion and its surrounding area has a population that is close to 1.4 million people. Within the actual city there are about 540,000 people. That’s quite a bit of fresh water- and in the eyes of some conglomerates, lots of cash. Even with that many people all living in the same area, Asuncion still has a very close community atmosphere. As the capital city, the people are proud to be the center of many aspects of Paraguayan life. People come together to make each other feel welcome, and like they are a part of the community. People in Asuncion want the fundamental right to have water without being charged too much money. They want everyone to have good sewers and fresh water, not just upscale communities. All of these common goals draw the people of Asuncion closer, and also make them a more formidable force against privatization companies.
The local economy of Asuncion…
"Asunción is the nation’s center for manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and commerce. Major industries include food processing and production of consumer products for local consumption. Other manufacturing, principally in small factories and workshops, specializes in wood products, shoes, leather goods, and cotton textiles, some of which are exported to markets in Brazil and Argentina. Much of Paraguay’s agricultural production, the mainstay of its economy, is shipped through Asunción. Cotton, soybeans, oil seeds, timber, and meat products are exported to Brazil, Argentina, Germany, the United States, and The Netherlands."
"Asunción is the nation’s center for manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and commerce. Major industries include food processing and production of consumer products for local consumption. Other manufacturing, principally in small factories and workshops, specializes in wood products, shoes, leather goods, and cotton textiles, some of which are exported to markets in Brazil and Argentina. Much of Paraguay’s agricultural production, the mainstay of its economy, is shipped through Asunción. Cotton, soybeans, oil seeds, timber, and meat products are exported to Brazil, Argentina, Germany, the United States, and The Netherlands."
Asuncion lies on the eastern bank of the Paraguay River, where it meets the Pilcomayo River. These rivers are also environmental features that draw a lot of contact from human use. Although conflict over the water that flows through the river is ongoing, it will always remain a beautiful sight.
Asuncion covers about 117 sq. km or 45 sq. miles. Although the urban population as I said was well over 1 million, the city still keeps it small Latin American feel by having few skyscrapers. Traffic volume is also usually pretty low. Asuncion at night …
Overall, Asuncion is a small Latin American city that is putting up a big fight to stop people from coming in and taking advantage if its people. This is just a small glimpse into what Asuncion is like on the outside, and as we dig deeper into our conflict over water privatization I know everyone will see how much fight this small city has.
-R
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