The battered state of the Silvermine River Pipe Bridge is being described as a safety hazard by some concerned residents.
The electrical cable bridge goes across the Silvermine River between Clovelly and Fish Hoek and has historically served as the only way to cross the river upstream of the main road bridge during winter for many years.
However, in recent years it appears the bridge has suffered much damage such as broken wooden planks that have gone unchecked and allowed it to deteriorate.
Martin Sholtz, Friends of Silvermine Nature Area (Fosna) chair, says the bridge needs renovation and is an integral part of the experience of the wetlands by the public.
Fosna was founded in 1992 and set up by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa).
“The bridge allows easy access to both sides of this natural, community resource. In addition, it is a critical component of the broader experience of the area by residents of the Silvermine River Valley. Fosna is in support of any City of Cape Town and community initiative to use the existing framework of the pipe bridge to create a new bridge structure, so that the integrity of the Lower Silvermine Wetland experience is restored.”
The City said it’s aware of concerns regarding the bridge’s dilapidated state.
“The City can confirm that it has recently completed dredging and the cable bridge decommissioning project. Various City departments are collaborating on a way forward and will communicate the future of the bridge in due course.”
