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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The historic value of one of the most famous landmarks in South Africa, the Kaaimans River Railway Bridge, was acknowledged at an event that took place yesterday, Wednesday 9 October. The South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE), together with George Mayor Melvin Naik, was to unveil a plaque at Dolphin's Point overlooking the bridge, conferring the "2019 National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of the Year." 

However, a last-minute change had to be made in the programme due to inclement weather and only a symbolic inauguration took place at the Kaaimans Restaurant.

The SAICE History and Heritage panel evaluates historic civil engineering infrastructure annually to decide which project should be honoured. In so doing, the civil engineering heritage of our country is honoured and the role that infrastructure plays in our day-to-day lives is highlighted for the recognition it deserves.

Jan Brink, acting chairperson of the Southern Cape branch of SAICE, welcomed the award. He told the George Herold that many see the bridge as a tourist attraction. The bridge is also part of infrastructure, which is a very important part of the economic development.

Brian Downie, president of the SAICE, said that the local people don't realise "what a gem they have" in the bridge. "It is admired around the world."

From left are heritage panel chairperson Dr Chris Roth; SAICE president Brian Downie and George Mayor Melvin Naik at the event that was held in the Kaaimans Restaurant. Photo: Eugene Gunning

The bridge between George and Wilderness is one of the most photographed structures in South Africa and is well known internationally, continually attracting railway and heritage tourists. It was also part of the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe route. The Choo Tjoe had to be discontinued in 2006 after heavy rains caused damage to the railway line. Martin Hatchuel, spokesperson for Classic Rail, that has applied for a concession to run the Choo Tjoe train again, said they are optimistic that their application will be successful.

Watch a video below:

According to a statement by SAICE, the heritage panel undertakes research into the circumstances regarding the construction of the various heritage infrastructure nominees to ascertain they are worthy of the recognition. Previous awards have gone to a variety of noteworthy projects such as the Van Stadens Weir / Dam near Port Elizabeth, which was built in 1877. Last year's recipient was the Bloemspruit Canal in Bloemfontein, which is still in use today.

"The 2007 floods have put the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe off its rails for now, but we remain optimistic that some day soon operations will resume on this historic route and over the Kaaimans Bridge to transport tourists and goods once again," reads the statement.

The plaque at Dolphin's Point that declares the Kaaimans River bridge as the 2019 National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark of the Year. Photo: Michael Elston

The history of the Kaaimans bridge
The bridge, which was constructed in the years 1925 to 1928, was designed by the South African Railways and Harbours (SAR&H), now Transnet. The resident engineer on the George-Knysna line at the time was NK Prette-John. His assistant engineer on the bridge site was RA Glenday, and the contractor was MD Vallero.

The bridge is founded on caissons on bedrock. Challenges that were overcome during construction included adverse geological conditions, extreme flooding and aggressive wave action. A number of photographs depicting the bridge and its construction can be viewed at the Transnet Railway Museum in George.

Read a related article: Kaaimans railway bridge named heritage landmark

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