The contract will be let as one package and Alsunut is hoping to attract contractors active in the Gulf. Companies are expected to be shortlisted in late April and the contract is expected to be let in June, with construction scheduled to start in July. Site clearance is already under way and the next stage of preparatory works is due to begin in April. The contract does not include the construction of a wastewater treatment plant, which is expected to be tendered in 2007, and the relocation of an existing substation.

Al-Mogran is a $4,000 million commercial and residential real estate project near Khartoum at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles. Phase 1 will include the construction of office, retail, hospitality and residential buildings, parks and a riverside promenade. Phase 2 involves the construction of a 1,420-acre residential estate including apartments, villas and a golf course.

The Dubai office of KEO International Consultantsis managing the overall project programme. Alsunut is a joint venture of the state of Khartoum, the government, the National Social Insurance Fund and the local Dal Group.