A far-reaching project to transform Mossel Bay into a model town for social and economic development has been unveiled by the municipality executive.
The proposals are aimed at turning this bustling seaside resort (population 80 000) into an international tourist attraction and a leader in social transformation for the booming Southern Cape region.
The four-pronged plan includes restoration of the historic CBD, redevelopment of the entire beachfront and waterfront areas, a billion-rand beachfront residential area, a network of pedestrian walkways and malls and a new traffic-flow grid.
A key component of the proposals is the inclusion of surrounding low-income communities, with increased participation in and access to the new town by all citizens.
"Like many smaller towns in South Africa, we are faced with ever-growing challenges to meet the needs of all our citizens, but at the same time we have to find the money from an ever-decreasing budget," notes mayor Andre Nel. "For example to repair all the roads in greater Mossel Bay and specifically in low cost housing areas like Civic Park and Brandwag, will cost around R20-million alone." This is equivalent to Mossel Bay's entire capital expenditure annual budget.
The most hotly-debated aspect of the plan is the decision to transform the beachfront caravan parks and picnic areas, known as De Bakke and Santos, into a residential area for luxury houses, boutique hotels and a mini waterfront. Many residents fear the seafront will be turned into a little Miami with high-rise blocks, traffic congestion and "private beaches".
"Not so," says Nel. "All development will be strictly controlled, with only low-rise construction permitted. Access to the beaches will be increased and open to everybody at all times."
A unique feature of the beachfront development is that the Mossel Bay Council will act as the developer itself, rather than just selling the land and allowing outside companies to collect the profits.
"The people of Mossel Bay have a right to benefit from the projects and by acting as developers ourselves we can retain the profits and channel them into development projects," says Nel. "The luxury developments are only one part of the project, but we expect them to generate a large part of new revenues, particularly from international investors."
Mossel Bay was the first municipality in the Southern Cape to appoint a full-time senior manager to spearhead the local economic development (LED) portfolio. Dawid Vermeulen, the man appointed, and formerly head of the Free State Goldfields Development Centre, is behind the strategy planning and implementation of structures to enable sustainable economic and development in the Greater Mossel Bay area.
"One of our key objectives," says Vermeulen, "is to create wealth through economically sustainable initiatives, and thus improve the quality of life for all the town's citizens."
All contracts awarded by the council will be in strict accordance with BEE principles, independent development councils, and statutory procurement requirements and will be closely monitored to ensure compliance.
"If we hope to be part of this boom we have to offer something exceptional and Mossel Bay is in the fortunate position of being able to do so," says Nel.
The town has ample open space available, room for horizontal development, vast unspoilt beaches, and is the only north-facing resort on the South African coast. The town itself has a rich historical heritage and is home to many fine examples of early colonial architecture.
Highlights of the transformation plan include:
Thematic development of the CBD, with beautification of historic and existing buildings, with tree-lined pavements and walkways, sidewalk cafés, and "street furniture" such as themed benches, streetlights and shop facades.
A spectacular unrestricted boardwalk, stretching 12 km from The Point, past the Mossel Bay harbour area, the Diaz beachfront and all the way through to Hartenbos.
Restoration of the old stone-built power station into an arts and crafts working centre for local crafts people.
A cultural heritage museum around the Cave at St Blaize Lighthouse.
Two themed holiday villages.
A network of public "green spaces" for micro-economic activities and recreation.
Upgrading and beautification of public taxi ranks.

By Peter Schafer