The existing pontoon crossing at the Puruni River in Region 7 is set to be replaced with a permanent 109-metre modular steel bridge. The move is expected to improve safety, reliability and connectivity within one of the country’s key mining and forestry corridors.
The Ministry of Natural Resources said in a statement that the government is advancing construction of the Puruni River Bridge and supporting access roads, with works being undertaken by Aris Mining.
The new bridge will provide a more dependable crossing for workers, businesses and transport operators, while allowing heavy industrial traffic to be diverted away from the main community road, the ministry said.
The improved infrastructure is expected to benefit nearly 500 mining properties and concessions, as well as several major forestry concessions.
The project also includes a range of community-focused infrastructure, including a multi-purpose government facility, health centre, digital school facility, playground, agricultural area and formal waste-disposal site.
Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that growth in the mining and forestry sectors translates into broader benefits for communities in resource-producing areas.
“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.
The Ministry of Natural Resources will coordinate the project, with technical oversight from the Ministry of Public Works. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026.
