The Algerian consortium Groupement Bir Seba has invited contractors to prequalify for a contract to build accommodation facilities and an aircraft runway in the Touggourt area, which is located 130 kilometres northeast of the Hassi Messaoud oilfield.

Groupement Bir Seba published the prequalification notice on 25 May. Contractors have 30 days from the publication date to submit prequalification documents.

The scope of the works involves the construction of an accommodation building with 200 rooms and a military camp with 28 rooms.

The work also includes the construction of a 1,600-metre asphalt runway for aircraft and a network of 6-metre-wide asphalt access roads to link the accommodation facilities, military camp and airstrip together.

Groupement Bir Seba is a consortium comprising of Sonatrach, Petrovietnam Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP) and PTTEP Algeria.