Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve, Western Cape | 5 August 2026
The wait is finally over for the Viljoen’s Pass community as the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, officially opened and handed over the newly completed Nuweberg Footbridge during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on 5 August 2026 in the Hottentots-Holland Nature Reserve between Grabouw and Villiersdorp.
The completion of the Nuweberg Footbridge marks a significant milestone in restoring safe and reliable pedestrian access across the Palmiet River for residents who have endured the loss of this critical crossing since the previous bridge was destroyed during severe flooding. The newly completed 58.2 metre long, six-span bridge features a 1.5 metre width and a durable structural steel superstructure supported by reinforced concrete foundations.
Implemented by Casidra on behalf of CapeNature, construction of the new footbridge commenced in May 2025 under the leadership of Programme Manager, Jacques Swanepoel.
Speaking at the official handover, Swanepoel said the completion of the project demonstrates the value of resilient infrastructure in protecting and serving rural communities.
“We are extremely proud to see this important project reach completion and officially handed over to the community. Safety has remained our highest priority throughout the project. Constructed using modular steel sections and reinforced foundations, the bridge has been designed for long-term durability while minimising environmental impact. More importantly, it restores essential connectivity, improves public safety and enhances the daily lives of residents who rely on this crossing. This is a significant milestone in strengthening rural infrastructure and community resilience,” said Swanepoel.
Officially opening the bridge, Minister Dr Ivan Meyer welcomed the completion of the project and highlighted the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports both people and economic development.
“Today we are not simply opening a bridge, we are restoring opportunity, reconnecting communities and investing in a safer future for the people of Viljoen’s Pass. Infrastructure such as the Nuweberg Footbridge enables access to education, employment, healthcare and essential services while strengthening the resilience of our rural communities. This project demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to sustainable development”, Minister alluded.
Casidra’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith du Plessis, expressed his sincere appreciation to CapeNature for its confidence in our project management expertise.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to CapeNature for entrusting Casidra with the implementation of this important rehabilitation project. Your confidence in our project management capabilities is deeply appreciated. I also wish to commend our Environmental Sustainability team for their professionalism, commitment and exceptional execution of this project. Their dedication ensured that the bridge was delivered on schedule, demonstrating the expertise and excellence that define our organisation.”
Wilfred Williams, Manager: Tourism Development at CapeNature, commended Casidra, the contractor and everyone involved in the project for their collective effort in delivering the new footbridge. He acknowledged that the construction process presented several challenges, but said that through teamwork, commitment and dedication, the project reached its intended outcome.
The successful completion of the Nuweberg Footbridge reflects the strength of collaboration between government and its implementing partners in delivering infrastructure that improves safety, restores connectivity and contributes to sustainable rural development across the Western Cape.
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