The bishop and the rest of the population of the apostolic vicariate of Chaco Paraguay have become isolated after floods, and the local ordinary is holding state authorities responsible.
«As a result of the lack of responsibility and commitment, we are isolated,” said apostolic vicar, Bishop Gabriel Narciso Escobar Ayala, in an interview with 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 region, which borders Bolivia and Brazil, has been experiencing non-stop rain for three days.
In a note sent to Fides Agency, the apostolic vicar said politicians spend most of their time in the capital, although they hold positions in the region. «Puerto Casado, Carmelo Peralta or Bahia Negra are large districts of Upper Paraguay that are used as a launching pad for politicians to get money and fill their pockets», he said.
Bishop Escobar added that the situation has been exacerbated because a plane which transports goods to the area is in need of repair, making access to the region impossible.
«This is why we are making an appeal to the national authorities who are in the capital,” he said. “We are also Paraguayans.”
