ONE of the two concrete bridges being built at the entrance to the Mainstay community in Region Two is nearing completion.
It was recently inspected by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj, along with regional officials.
The new bridges will replace the existing timber bridges, and form part of a major investment by the government to improve transportation and connectivity in the area.
The government has invested $139 million to replace the two timber bridges with concrete structures. The bridge works are part of the wider $187 million Mainstay Access Road Project, which also includes upgrading a one-kilometre stretch of roadway, installing reinforced concrete curbs, adding pavement, constructing a three-lane entrance, and adding guard rails, improved shoulders, and new signage.
During President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s visit to the region, residents requested the upgrades, and were promised action. Within weeks, the contract was awarded — fulfilling another commitment to the community.
Toshao of Mainstay/Whyaka Marsha Williams said it was a historic day for her community, and thanked the government for its continued investment. She noted that Mainstay is becoming a budding tourist destination, and that the new infrastructure will support that growth.
“We are happy for these key developments, and we are happy that it happened so fast,” one resident said.
Residents have expressed gratitude to the current Government and President Ali for the prompt action.
These investments reflect the government’s focus on community-driven development, rural empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure across both hinterland and coastal villages.
Once completed, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity for more than 2,500 residents of Mainstay/Whyaka, Lima Sands, and Tapakuma. It will also improve access to the Mainstay Airstrip, and support tourism, particularly for visitors travelling to the Lake Mainstay Resort.
When finished, the concrete bridges will provide residents and visitors with safer, stronger, and more reliable access to the Mainstay community.
