– crossing to improve movement of heavy-duty equipment and support expanding mining activity

CONSTRUCTION has commenced on the new Puruni River Crossing Bridge in Region Seven, with completion targeted for December 2026, as Government moves to improve access through one of the region’s major mining and logging areas.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during the ceremonial turning of the sod at Puruni Landing, said the 360-foot bridge is expected to significantly ease the difficulties currently faced by miners and loggers who depend on the existing pontoon service to cross the river.
According to the Minister, the pontoon has become increasingly inadequate due to the growing volume of traffic and the weight of equipment being transported through the area. He said miners and loggers have frequently complained about spending hours waiting to cross the river.
“The pontoon now is basically being rendered irrelevant due to the weight limit [and] the volume of traffic,” Bharrat said.
The new bridge will have a weight capacity of 100 tonnes and will be constructed above the highest level reached during heavy rainfall, allowing for more reliable movement across the river.
Bharrat said the bridge will also be toll-free, in keeping with the Government’s policy of providing free crossings at major river bridges.
As such, he urged miners, loggers and other users to adhere strictly to the weight limit and to use the facility responsibly to ensure its longevity.
Added to this, the minister noted that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), together with the company involved in the project, will monitor access to the bridge, while weight stations will be established to check trucks travelling in both directions.
“We too will be establishing weight stations where we will be checking the weight of trucks coming in and going out to ensure that there is adherence,” he added.
The initial cost of the bridge is expected to exceed US$10 million and will be fully funded by the private investor developing the Toroparu mining project, at no cost to the Government or people of Guyana.
Bharrat said the wider development will also include the construction of a new access road designed particularly for heavy-duty equipment. At the same time, efforts are being made to maintain access through the existing Puruni Landing, which serves as a business district.
He explained that several Guyanese have invested in permanent structures and businesses in the existing landing area, and maintaining access is intended to ensure that those businesses continue to benefit from increased economic activity and traffic generated by the new bridge.
The bridge forms part of a wider investment involving the development of a mine at an estimated cost of almost US$800 million.
According to Bharrat, the mine construction phase is expected to create approximately 1,500 jobs, while between 400 and 500 Guyanese could be employed on a permanent basis once construction is completed.
The Minister said Government is also pressing the investor to maximise opportunities for Guyanese businesses and workers throughout the project, including through the procurement of goods and services from local suppliers.
He said the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GGMC will monitor compliance with the Government’s policy of ensuring that Guyanese benefit from investments in the sector.