The city of Río Cuarto in Córdoba Province, Argentina, plans to invest 30 billion Argentine Pesos (approximately USD 25.2 million) over the next 12 years to significantly improve its water supply infrastructure and provide drinking water to 100,000 residents. This long-term project aims to proactively address water scarcity issues due to climate change and population growth, as well as modernize aging water facilities to ensure a stable water supply.

The Municipal Water and Sanitation Company (EMOS) of Río Cuarto announced that this project will be carried out in two phases. Phase 1 will involve an investment of ARS 13.8 billion and is expected to be completed in 2028. This phase includes the installation of 13.7 km of new transmission pipelines and the construction of two 10 Ml water tanks. Additionally, five new wells will be developed to produce 13.5 Ml of water per day, expanding the water intake capacity. Currently, Río Cuarto's water supply system faces challenges in providing stable water due to low water pressure in some areas and aging treatment facilities. Phase 1 of this project will focus on resolving these issues and increasing water supply coverage.

Phase 2 will involve an investment of ARS 16.2 billion, starting in 2028 and concluding in 2037. This phase will involve the installation of an additional 28.8 km of new transmission pipelines and the construction of a large-scale water treatment facility capable of processing 50 Ml per day. This is expected to prepare for the long-term increase in water demand in Río Cuarto and contribute to improving water quality. In particular, the new water treatment facility will incorporate the latest technology to streamline water purification processes and be designed to reduce energy consumption. Río Cuarto officials emphasized that this water supply infrastructure improvement project will enhance the quality of life for local residents and serve as a crucial foundation for sustainable urban development.

Paraguay's Construction Sector Records 12.9% Growth in Q1, Driving Economic Expansion 

Paraguay's construction sector recorded a high growth rate of 12.9% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, leading the overall economic growth of the country. According to the quarterly report from the Central Bank of Paraguay, the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.9% during the same period, with the construction sector identified as a major driver of this growth.

The Central Bank stated that both private and public sector construction investments increased, and demand for construction materials also significantly rose. This is attributed to the combination of the government's expanded infrastructure investment policies and the revitalization of private sector housing and commercial building construction. In particular, the Paraguayan government is accelerating the construction of key national infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and ports, which directly stimulates growth in the construction sector.

The growth in the construction sector has also significantly contributed to the increase in Gross Fixed Capital Formation. Along with increased construction activity, investment in machinery and equipment grew by 12.7%, positively impacting the expansion of Paraguay's economic production capacity. This can be interpreted as an important indicator that not only provides short-term economic stimulus but also enhances long-term economic growth potential. The sustained growth in the construction sector has also had a positive impact on job creation, contributing to a reduction in unemployment. The Paraguayan government expects the construction sector to continue to be a major driver of national economic growth and plans to maintain related policy support.

Chile's O'Higgins Region Opens Bidding for New Bridge Construction Project in Machalí 

The Chilean Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has opened bidding for a new bridge construction project in the city of Machalí, O'Higgins Region. With a total project cost of 3.6 billion Chilean Pesos (approximately USD 3.86 million), this is an important infrastructure project aimed at improving traffic flow and promoting regional economic development in the Machalí area.

The new bridge, with a total length of 40 meters, will become part of National Route H-265 and will cross the Clonqui River. Currently, the existing bridges in this area are aging, and increasing traffic volume frequently causes bottlenecks. The construction of the new bridge is expected to resolve these issues and significantly improve the mobility of residents in the surrounding areas. In addition to the bridge construction, 1.33 km of road improvement work will also be carried out in the relevant section. This will enhance connectivity between the bridge and surrounding roads and improve overall traffic safety.

The bidding schedule indicates that technical proposals must be submitted by August 14, and bids will be opened on August 21. Detailed bidding documents are available in Spanish on the Chilean Ministry of Public Works website. The Chilean government expects this bridge construction project to strengthen inter-regional connectivity, improve logistical efficiency, and contribute to regional economic revitalization. Furthermore, this project is part of the Chilean government's ongoing infrastructure investment policy and is expected to have a positive impact on strengthening national competitiveness.

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