M&K Bridges Project Lesotho

Building Bridges, Securing Futures: Uni-Span on the M&K Bridges Project, Lesotho

Published March 2025

Uni-Span is proud to be on the ground in Lesotho, playing a critical role in one of the region's most significant infrastructure undertakings: the construction of the Khubelu and Mabunyaneng Bridges, part of the wider M&K Bridges Project.

Situated just 200 metres apart, these two bridges are far more than river crossings. They are a vital piece of the puzzle in securing long-term water security for millions of people, while ensuring local communities retain safe, reliable access to their roads throughout a major regional transformation.

Why These Bridges Matter

The existing bridge in this area is set to be decommissioned and submerged once the Polihali Dam and Tunnel project becomes operational. This ambitious scheme will pump much-needed water from the highlands of Lesotho to Johannesburg, supporting one of the largest water transfer schemes in Africa and helping to meet the growing demands of South Africa's economic hub.

As that transformation unfolds, the new Khubelu and Mabunyaneng Bridges will step in to maintain uninterrupted access for surrounding communities, ensuring that progress on the dam doesn't come at the cost of connectivity. These structures are being engineered not just for the present, but as durable infrastructure that will serve the region for decades to come.

Uni-Span's Role on Site

As formwork and scaffolding partner on the project, Uni-Span has supplied and installed an extensive package of engineering solutions, including:

Tons of formwork and scaffolding equipment, supporting safe and efficient construction across both bridge sites; three 30-metre precast T-beam moulds, engineered for the precision casting required on a project of this scale; and a combination of Uni-Stage and Economy Form Panels, providing the flexibility and structural reliability needed for varied on-site conditions.

This combination of heavy-duty equipment and technical expertise reflects the scale of ambition behind the M&K Bridges Project, and the trust placed in Uni-Span to deliver on a project where precision and durability are non-negotiable.

Six Months In, A Year to Go

At the time of writing, our team has been on site for six months, with a further twelve months of construction ahead. It's a long-term commitment, but one that speaks to the nature of infrastructure work: building not for the short term, but for generations.

We'll continue to share updates as the Khubelu and Mabunyaneng Bridges take shape, standing as a testament to the partnerships, engineering, and persistence required to build something that truly lasts.