Paruni River Bridge, access roads project advances

The Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, is advancing the construction of the Puruni River Bridge and supporting access roads, further demonstrating the Government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure for Guyana’s mining and forestry sectors while ensuring that communities within extractive areas benefit from continued development.

The project, being undertaken by Aris Mining, 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 in Region 7, 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.

Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. 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. The Minister noted 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.”

The project has progressed through planning, reconnaissance, site investigations and design development, with construction now commencing. The Ministry of Natural Resources will coordinate the project, with technical oversight from the Ministry of Public Works, and the works are expected to be completed by December 2026.