Sod turned for US$6M Puruni Bridge with completion deadline set for Dec 2026

– new bridge to replace Pontoon, improve connectivity in Reg 7

In a major undertaken to improve connectivity, transportation and economic development in Guyana’s hinterland, the earth was broken for the construction of a US$6 million bridge across the Puruni Bridge in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The project funded by the Government is being undertaken by Aris Mining and will replace the existing pontoon crossing with a permanent 109-metre modular steel bridge and improved access roads. The new infrastructure will provide a safer and more reliable connection along this important route within the region while allowing heavy industrial traffic to be diverted away from the main community road. The investment will support an already productive economic corridor encompassing nearly 500 mining properties and concessions, as well as several large forestry concessions. Improved connectivity will facilitate the movement of workers, equipment, fuel, timber, mining supplies and other goods, while providing businesses and transport operators with a more dependable route. Importantly, the development extends beyond supporting extractive activities. The wider project provides for community infrastructure, including a multi-purpose Government facility, health centre, digital school facility, playground, agricultural area and a formal waste-disposal area, reinforcing Government’s commitment to ensuring that development within the natural resources sector delivers tangible benefits to surrounding communities. Natural Resources Minister, Vickram Bharrat, said the investment reflects Government’s approach to ensuring that the continued growth of the mining and forestry sectors contributes to broader regional and community development. Minister Bharrat added that “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.”