— to improve access to almost 500 mining properties, forestry concessions

THE Government is advancing construction of a permanent 109-metre modular steel bridge across the Puruni River in Region Seven, replacing the existing pontoon crossing as part of a wider push to improve critical infrastructure supporting Guyana’s mining and forestry sectors.
The project, which also includes improved access roads, is being undertaken by Aris Mining and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the new infrastructure will provide a safer and more reliable connection along the important extractive-sector corridor while allowing heavy industrial traffic to be diverted away from the main community road.
The corridor currently encompasses almost 500 mining properties and concessions, in addition to several large forestry concessions.
With improved connectivity, the Ministry said the project is expected to facilitate more efficient movement of workers, equipment, fuel, timber, mining supplies and other goods while providing businesses and transport operators with a more dependable route.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said the investment forms part of the government’s broader approach to ensuring that growth in the country’s productive sectors translates into development for surrounding communities.
“As we strengthen the infrastructure needed to support our productive sectors, we are equally focused on ensuring that the communities in which these activities take place benefit from improved infrastructure, better access to services and greater economic opportunities,” Bharrat said.
Beyond the bridge and access roads, the wider development will see several pieces of community infrastructure established.
These include a multi-purpose government facility, health centre, digital school facility, playground, agricultural area and a formal waste-disposal area.
The Ministry said these investments are intended to ensure that communities located within extractive areas benefit directly from the continued expansion of Guyana’s natural resources sector.
The project has already progressed through the planning, reconnaissance, site-investigation and design-development stages, with construction now commencing.
The Ministry of Natural Resources will coordinate the project, while the Ministry of Public Works will provide technical oversight.
The government has been placing increased emphasis on improving infrastructure in mining and forestry areas, particularly routes that are critical to moving people, equipment and commodities.
The Puruni River Bridge and access roads are expected to strengthen connectivity within Region Seven while supporting economic activity and improving access to services for communities along the corridor.