The decline of the Silvermine River Pipe Bridge: Urgent action needed

Howard Langley, Clovelly

For more than 70 years, the electrical cable bridge across the Silvermine River between Clovelly and Fish Hoek served as the only way to cross the river upstream of the main road bridge during winter.

It was especially valuable to Clovelly children (myself included), who used it daily to get to school. About 20 years ago, as part of the redevelopment of the lower Silvermine wetland area and to ensure the safety of the growing number of pedestrians using the pipes to cross the river, the City added a timber boardwalk to the so-called “Pipe Bridge.”

This new pedestrian bridge not only created a safe link for walkers and cyclists between Fish Hoek and Clovelly, but also greatly enhanced the recreational value of the wetlands.

Then, in 2023, disaster struck. During the first phase of a new wetlands upgrade project(aimed at removing excess reed growth and creating a sewage retention pond), the City inexplicably dredged the river upstream of the bridge, which undermined one of the concrete support piers, causing it to subside. As a safety measure, the bridge was closed to the public, and the river was diverted to flow beneath the Fish Hoek end of the structure.

Predictably, this undermined more piers, causing the bridge to begin collapsing at both ends and placing enormous strain on the electrical cables it carried. These cables supplied electricity to Fish Hoek, Kommetjie, Simon’s Town and the surrounding areas, so the situation was critical.

Thousands of sandbags were deployed in a desperate effort to prevent further collapse and consequential damage to the cables, but the damage was done. Clearly, a significant engineering solution was required, which resulted in new cables being ducted beneath the river, at a reported cost of more than R13 million.

Once this was completed, the old cables were stripped from the bridge.

Today, however, what remains is an unsightly and hazardous structure: a half-dismantled bridge littered with protruding nails, cut cables, and splintered timbers. Warning signs and tattered barrier tape have done little to deter people (especially youngsters) from attempting to cross on the skeletal remains of the bridge.

It is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured. Councillor Isabel Sherry, local conservation groups and concerned residents have been actively trying to persuade the City to replace the dismantled pedestrian bridge, but with little success.

It seems that none of the City’s departments are willing to take responsibility for the project. Meanwhile, local residents (including schoolchildren and domestic workers) are left at a disadvantage, and the recreational value of the wetland’s walk has been severely diminished.

The community expects nothing less from the City than to clean up the site and to provide a safe pedestrian access across the river.

Response: The City’s spokesperson, Luthando Tyhalibongo, said various City departments are collaborating on a way forward and will communicate the future of the bridge in due course.