PERTH, Nov 26: Australian construction and engineering group Clough Ltd has won the first phase of an onshore gas project in Pakistan worth 194 million dollars (US$97 million).

The contract is with Austrian oil and gas group, OMV, managing director of the Perth-based company, Brian Hewitt, announced here on Monday.

The Sawan field, in the Thar Desert, is about 300 km northeast of Karachi.

Hewitt said the project’s first phase included the provision of surface-based facilities and flow lines for further well sites, a central processing plant and a 15-km long, 500 mm diameter gas pipeline. The work also involves the construction of access roads, an airstrip and permanent living accommodation.

The Clough group undertook two projects in Pakistan between 1992 and 1997.

“The contract terms have been adjusted following the events of September 11 to factor in the possible business and financial risks,” Hewitt said.

The decision to proceed was taken after consultation with the Australian and Pakistan governments, he said.—AFP