The Government of Grenada, in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), has officially handed over the newly constructed Bonair Bridge to the residents of St Mark.
The handover marks a significant milestone in strengthening community infrastructure and improving connectivity within the parish. The project was delivered under the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) Cycle X Programme
Representing CDB at the ceremony was O’Reilly Lewis, Director of Projects, who commended the collaborative effort that brought the project to life.
The Bonair Bridge replaces an ageing Bailey structure with a modern, climate-resilient reinforced concrete girder bridge. Spanning 16.2 metres in length and 8.4 metres in width, the bridge features dual sidewalks with handrails, river training works, retaining walls, and gabion basket protection. These enhancements ensure improved water flow capacity and flood mitigation, safeguarding the community against climate-related disruptions.
Project timeline:
- Start date: 1 November 2023
- Completion date: 31 May 2025
- Duration: 579 days
- Approved budget: EC$2.33 million
- Actual expenditure: EC$1.9 million
Despite minor delays due to design modifications, the project was completed within budget and to the highest engineering standards.
From inception, residents, business owners, and local leaders actively participated in consultations and design discussions. This inclusive approach ensured the bridge reflects community needs and strengthens connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities.
The Bonair Bridge delivers far-reaching benefits:
- Reliable connectivity: Linking Bonair, Victoria, Diamond Estate, and neighbouring communities for workers, farmers, and students
- Lower transportation costs: Safer passage reduces delays and boosts productivity
- Climate resilience: Ensures uninterrupted movement during heavy rainfall, protecting livelihoods and education access
- Support for agriculture: Facilitates efficient transport of produce to markets, reducing spoilage and increasing earnings
- Business growth: Encourages investment in small enterprises, tourism, and agroprocessing
- Higher property values: Enhances attractiveness for housing and commercial development
- Improved access to services: Strengthens human and social development outcomes
Partnerships and oversight
- Contractor: Gilbert & Partners Engineering Co. Ltd.
- Consultant: FDL Consult Inc.
- Supervision: Rural Development Unit, Ministry of Economic Development, Planning and Cooperatives
This collaboration ensured compliance with CDB’s environmental, social, and engineering standards.
Next steps
While the bridge is fully operational, minor finishing works such as landscaping and signage will be completed in the coming weeks.
The Bonair Bridge stands as a testament to what can be achieved when Government, partners, and communities unite for sustainable development
About BNTF:
Since 1979, the Basic Needs Trust Fund has impacted over 3 million people in poor communities throughout the region by investing in community-led development. CDB, with financing from the Special Development Fund (Unified) and counterpart funding from beneficiary Governments, manages BNTF. Using the Bank’s resource allocation formula, funds are granted to countries eligible to participate in BNTF, which currently include Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Suriname. Sectors receiving funding include education and human resources development, including livelihoods enhancement; water and sanitation; and basic community access and drainage. Other areas supported include project management, institutional development, monitoring and evaluation, and provision of technical services. CDB retains some funds for regional coordination.
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