Thomas Nqolo takes a look at what's happening in Bahia Formosa
The popularity of owning a bit of this unique paradise on earth has pushed property prices to an all-time high. While this is good for property owners, the flip side is that many salaried people can no longer afford to live in Plett. This includes police, medical personnel, municipal officials, teachers and social workers who form the backbone of society.
With this in mind, the Council has earmarked some of itsland and will be calling for tenders to develop an affordable housing complex. While real estate is one dynamic aspect of Plettenberg Bay there are also those who are seeing the opportunities in the burgeoning wild life industry. There are two exciting game farms and the only free roaming primate sanctuary in the world within the Municipal area.
Two other major projects are the long awaited small boat harbour and Plett's famous beaches. The Bitou (formerly Plettenberg Bay) Council has appointed a group of transaction advisers to assist them in calling for tenders to develop a viable small boat harbour.
This will include a waterfront development with access for small crafts, which will enable Council to better regulate the fishing industry and control boats and vessels. In keeping with the atmosphere of the Jewel of the Garden Route, this has to be a very special waterfront.
The Council is also finalising the paperwork involved in taking control of the beaches from the Provincial Department of Public Works. This will enable them to formalise the arrangements with those who trade on the beaches.
At the same time a study of the best ways to utilise the beaches in a holistic way will be undertaken. As always, balance has to be achieved between the needs of man and the protection of Bahia Formosa (the Beautiful Bay).
When it comes to the air, Plett is fortunate to have an airport which locals and visitors can enjoy and from which many businessmen commute to the cities during the week and fly back to spend the weekends with their families safely ensconced in Plett.
Transaction advisors have also been appointed to help the Bitou Municipality to tender to find the right company to run the airport. There is great scope for making the area into a beautiful feature and a first impression in keeping with the premier holiday destination of South Africa. There are also ideas on creating another, much needed, industrial hub around the airport which is only 10 kms from the CBD.
However, Plett's most valuable resource is its people. Plett is blessed in that we have a rich source of skilled people. Many of the rich and famous and people who have reached the pinnacle of success in their field choose to have their holiday home in, or to retire in, Plett. A group of some of the best architects in the country have put a plan together, pro bono, to revitalise the CBD of Plettenberg Bay. This will be phased in over the short, medium and long term. This is typical of the spirit of the people of Plett.
The same attitude is shown by Mike Scholtz, Chairman of the Plett Business Chamber. Aware of the fact that we have a number of small and medium-sized businesses that produce quality goods and receive training but do not have the necessary premises to show their products to potential buyers, he and his partner have created The Village. This is a beautiful, thatched building opposite Shell Ultra. A number of crafts people will be producing and selling their wares at this African themed asset to Plett. Other ways of strengthening the link between established businesses and SMME's will be most welcome.
Last but not least when it comes to people, the Council is also very keen on broadening the tourism spectrum to include the previously disadvantaged areas including township tours and hospitality establishments.
Development is inevitable when you live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Plettenberg Bay includes some uniquely beautiful havens like Nature's Valley, Wittedrift, Harkerville and Keurbooms.

The Vision of the Council is 'to be the best together'. If you would like to be part of being the best together.