The rural landscape of Mbhashe Local Municipality is set for transformation as the Eastern Cape Department of Transport advances its major road upgrade from Willowvale to the Dwesa Nature Reserve, a part of the iconic Wild Coast Meander Route. The contractor for the multi-million rands project was officially introduced by Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha this week at Bhadi Community Hall in Mevana Village.
The upgrade of the stretch between Kwangculu and Mtokwane Villages promises lasting change by connecting communities, boosting tourism, and opening new economic opportunities. The DR0846 and DR08044 roads link Willowvale to the popular Dwesa resort via Msengeni and will eventually form part of a scenic coastal corridor from Kei Mouth to Port St Johns.
The upgrade project will be carried out in four stages, beginning with the upgrade of the main road within Willowvale. This will be followed by improvements to the DR08046 route between Willowvale and Msengeni, covering a distance of 15.5 kilometres. The third phase will focus on upgrading the DR08044 route through Kwangculu and Mtokwane villages. The final phase will extend the DR08044 from kilometre 14.40 to the Dwesa Nature Reserve.
The project focuses on building a durable, safe road while promoting sustainable development. Work includes site setup, traffic management, service relocations, drainage, earthworks, paving, surfacing with Cape Seal or asphalt, and adding safety features such as guardrails and signage. New access points and intersections will also improve village connectivity.
MEC Nqatha highlighted that the project is not just about roads, but about connecting people to opportunity.” Local workers and small businesses will be directly involved, ensuring communities benefit from jobs and enterprise support.
Once complete, the road will make it easier for farmers to move produce, for tourists to reach destinations like Dwesa, and for local businesses to thrive along this growing economic corridor. Construction is expected to take 26 months, beginning in January 2026.
The event was attended by the Executive Mayor, Cllr Samkelo Janda, Cllr Bukelwa Madikane, representing the Executive Mayor of Amathole District Municipality; Nozibele Nyalambisa, Member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature; members of the Business Forums, Department of Transport stakeholders, Mbhashe LM Councillors and Officials, traditional leaders and community members. Residents welcomed the project and expressed excitement about the positive change it will bring to their villages.
