Those looking for a house today will have to face the new reality, a smaller and more expensive home. (more)

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This Wednesday there was a presentation of the SOHO Project Panama, comprising a commercial complex, with businesses, shopping and entertainment.

During its construction, the project will generate three thousand direct jobs and 2,500 more when it is opened between 2013 and 2014.

The president, Ricardo Martinelli, who attended the event, said this is the largest private project that has been built in our country so far, and that together with all the projects developed by the government, such as the construction of airports the Metro and the road realignment, will strengthen the image of Panama as a prominent and important tourist destination.

Martinelli said Panama is becoming a hub of connectivity, so the country's future will be promising with the construction of major projects in Panama and create new jobs.

According to its promoters, SOHO Panama will become a new icon of Panama, that will have a financial operations center, shops, residences, and the first Ritz Carlton Hotel in Central America and the second in Latin America. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: The "largest private project" that has ever been built in Panama? Really? If that's true, it's going to be big.

The construction sector continues its upward trend in Panama, with an increase of 3.9% in ongoing projects, from January to May 2012. This, according to a report from the Office of Economic and Social Analysis of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which says the increase in construction projects is creating a demand for labor, as well as supplies and building materials. The report says construction continued to grow, both in the number of projects, the amount of investment, and the amount of covered area, giving as examples projects for residences with an increase of 3.6% and other types of projects increased by 14.6%.

The document states there are modest changes in some areas compared to last year, but the standouts were Santiago with 86.0%, Panama with 57.9%, Chitre with 10.4%, and David with 9.6%. Investment in construction projects was 36.8% higher compared to last year, totaling $671.8 million, distributed as follows: 39.0% in residential and 61.0% for non-residential. "Last year the distribution was more uniform (47 and 53 percent respectively). This year, the investment in residential projects grew 13.5% and non residential projects grew by 57.6%. Similar proportions are reflected in the surface areas being built," says the text of the report.

Referring to the expansion of the Panama Canal, which is called the iconic infrastructure project in construction activity, not only for the country but for the region, indicates the waterway experienced an increase of more than 38%. It is noted that the date of the report, the project was employing 11,055 active workers of the total of 22,062 which have been required (in total), of which 61% were from the contractor and 39% by subcontractors.

On the issue of the construction of Line 1 of the new Panama Metro subway system, as of May 2012 the project had been advanced by 30%, and the project will have the capacity to transport about 525,000 passengers per day. (Estrella)

Editor's Comment: The Panamanian economic miracle continues to be fueled by construction projects. It's only 2012 and construction on the Panama Canal expansion project will be running for another few years, at least. As soon as Line 1 of the Panama City Metro subway system is done, they will start Line 2. Then Line 3. What's next? The $6 billion dollar copper mine. As far as buildings are concerned, it started with apartments, then malls, then hotels, and now in the future it's going to be resorts on the beaches. Slinging cement, as hard as they can, all over the place. No sign of a letup, any time soon.

Luzdecor of Panama is one of the largest lighting companies in Panama City. Located on Calle 50, we have a wide selection of all kinds of lighting fixtures. Our lighting design experts can help you pick and choose the right solution for your needs. We have all available technologies and can find the right mix of solutions for any space or situation. We import and export lighting fixtures through the Colon Free Trade zone, and can provide any level of quality merchandise; high-end one of a kind pieces, to large volume solutions for construction projects. We also specialize in technical and colorized lighting. New lighting fixtures arrive continuously. Modern Italian fixtures are available as well as classic Crystal chandeliers. Wall sconces and flush mounted ceiling fixtures are plentiful in addition to a full line of bathroom vanity fixtures. Tiffany table lamps are a very popular solution for hard to decorate areas. (more)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this afternoon via email: "Hi Don, I have to write because I'm fuming mad!!!! I spent over $1100 on 2 split panasonic airconditioning units. I was told installation was free. "BASIC" installation basically means TAKING IT OUT OF THE BOX. I waited over 3 weeks for them to come and install it (the store told me 2-3 DAYS) and first someone comes to look at the space, then they arrange to come back the next day (ha YEAH RIGHT) to install it. Since this is all sub-contracted work, if you want it quicker, you are just out of luck!!!! Or you can chose to have someone else install it quicker, pay them and void your warranty which is ridiculous. I paid over $60 to have my kids airconditioner installed on the 2nd floor of my house. Why? Because I didn't have a ladder big enough to get on the roof easily so I was charged for that.I was also charged for them INSTALLING the supports that I bought at Do-It-Center with my screws/tacos that I had to buy for it (cost there $22, cost they were charging me $45).So all that added up to over $60.

So I got smart for my 2nd airconditioner I was waiting on them for (couldn't do it that day...they didn't have "time" but the guys sat outside my house for 2 HOURS waiting to get picked up), I had my electrician install the plug outlet, I had my handyman install my supports outside after measuring the compressor. I borrowed a friends ladder and I'm ready, its all ready, the guys had seen it 2 weeks ago when they were last here WHERE i wanted it. Well today it was a problem. They needed more extra tubing, at a cost of $85 to install it where I had shown them last week. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!!?! So I was on the phone with the boss for a while and I basically got no where.

If you are in the market to buy an airconditioner...go wtih LG. I've had mine over 5 yrs with zero problems. I had a guy install it the next day after I brought them home. yes I had to pay for supports and tubing but with taht I was PREPARED. DO NOT get a Panasonic airconditioner unless you are ok with shelling out money for stuff that was touted as being *free*. Free is taking it out the box. Anything more than that will cost you........

Thanks for letting me vent, but I'm so annoyed these stores don't tell you about this. Their fees are RIDICULOUS, the price gouging of their materials is insane, and 3 weeks to get the thing out of the box is just unacceptable. Christy."

Editor's Comment: Feel better? Have a cold adult beverage. Sit down, and relax in an air conditioned space. Put your feet up for a few minutes, pet the dog, scratch the cat, buy some batteries for the Фаллоимитатор, listen to the birds chirping outside of the window - breathe deeply. That's better. Yeah, I hear you. Dealing with these kinds of situations can be some of the most frustrating things you'll encounter in Panama. They get you, they got you, and then they get you again. And I hate those double jeopardy situations, like if you hire someone else to install the damn thing you invalidate the warranty. Remember the video of that dude who go so pissed off he hacked up a couple of split units in the parking lot outside of the store with a fire axe? (He took the video of his stunt off of YouTube). Just remember, no matter how bad it gets, there's always someone out there who's got it a whole lot worse off than you. Lingering on this kind of crap will give you an aneurysm.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Wow. This video has been making the rounds on the Internet the last few days. A company in China built a brand new 30 story building in just 15 days. The trick (obviously) that the whole thing was prefabricated, so they just trucked it in and bolted the thing together. So, in reality, they spent a whole lot longer than 15 days to make all of the parts and pieces - but the assembly was quick. According to the promotional materials it's designed to withstand an earthquake measuring 9 on the Richter scale, it's 5 times more energy efficient, with 20 times cleaner air inside of the building (recirculated and triple filtered.) Anyway, it's a cool time lapse video, and maybe someone here in Panama might want to consider implementing this technology. My question - what's the price per meter, installed (including materials, shipping, manpower, etc.) but not the it sits on. If they can get it down below the current $800 per square meter or so cost to build a traditional poured cement structure in Panama, then they might have a winner.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Consumers are at a crossroads in these holidays at the end of the year. And, in addition to budgeting for Christmas dinner and toys, taking into account inflation, this phenomenon has also seeped into the price of paint. Prices have risen about 12% compared to last year, said Marco Gonzalez, general manager of Glidden. The cause of the high price of paint is due to increases in the prices of the raw materials used to manufacture these products, used mainly at the end of the year to give new life and color to the facades and interiors of houses, said the businessman. Susana Lezcano can give witness of this new reality, a housewife who decided this year to change the color of the front of her house. She has already invested $60 in three gallons of paint, or $20 per gallon. Lezcano said in 2010 she only spent about $25 to paint the front of her house with the same color. "It is clear the price of some brands of paint has increased, especially those of quality. Next year I will leave the front of my house the same color, because it's a luxury to give it a different touch," said Lezcano.

A survey by DIAaDIA confirmed that although the increases are the order of the day, there are paints of some brands available for $7.95 a gallon, specifically in tones less in demand. While the most expensive ranging from $15.95 onwards, especially if the color is prepared. (Dia a Dia)

Editor's Comment: It's a Panamanian tradition to paint your house or apartment just before Christmas, so that the place looks nice for visitors, special dinners, pictures, etc.

The director of the Consumer Protection Authority (ACODECO), Pedro Meilan, said they found 21 companies selling cement building blocks lacking the required size and of substandard quality. This detection resulted in a fine of $34,000 dollars applied against the people responsible for the distribution of materials in the country. Many people call these "meringue" blocks, because they offer little resistance and they fall apart easily. (Dia a Dia)

Over the past few years we have received numerous inquiries, particularly from people in the US, regarding problems associated with their projects and investments here in Panama. These problems range from questionable land purchases, poor construction, uncompleted work and a host of other issues. These challenges can become doubly frustrating when you're back in the states and not on the ground here in Panama. In response to these inquiries, PANAPROSA now offers specialized consulting to help get your project back on track.

Our individual consulting services are geared toward cutting through all the layers of miscommunication, frustration, delays and lack of response. Through timely, on-site visits and engineering investigations, we leverage our 12 years of experience here in Panama to get you clear answers and a well thought out plan to get things back on track. Our specific areas of practice include architecture and planning, structural, mechanical and plumbing engineering, soils investigations and land surveying. We have applied our experience to resolve and correct site drainage issues, faulty and inadequate land surveys,and incomplete and defective home construction.

In addition to getting called in when things go south, we offer the same individual consulting services to help guide your efforts and investment to get your project started in the right direction. We provide professional site selection and analysis, due diligence, and building inspections in addition to our traditional design and engineering services. We also serve as owners representative, project managers and construction managers to make sure your project advances in a timely and cost efficient manner.

Does Your Project Involve Remote, Difficult And Hard To Reach Sites? PANAPROSA has an outstanding track record of providing engineering and project management services for sites which are difficult to reach and pose extreme conditions. Our bilingual teams are experienced and well suited to the physical, climate and security challenges faced in places like the Darien Province, Kuna Yala and other remote sites. In addition to private sector interests, we have an outstanding track record of looking after projects funded by various departments of the United Sates government. Check out our website to learn more.

John Brock, President. Panama Project Development Services, SA. Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Construction Services. 011 (507) 6614 8287. jbrock@panaprosa.com. www.panaprosa.com

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "HI Don, I have not read any recent updates on the health of your mother. I hope she is getting better. I am also taking this opportunity to let you know that Luzdecor just received a great deal of new fixtures and amazing energy saving lighting. Attached you will find some images of a sample of what we have received. For example, item number 1039 and 1065 are ceiling spotlights that are made out of plaster (gypsum) that can be incorporated directly in the gypsum ceilings. The benefits are that they can be painted in any color that the decoration requires and more importantly, especially with our climate, they can never rust, corrode, or change color. In addition, we have now standard 4 foot T8 fluorescent tubes that consume only 28 watts instead of the standard 32 watts. This represents a 12.5% saving of energy with nothing else needed. They are completely compatible with the ballasts and lampholders for the T8 fixtures. Luzdecor also has received many Light Emitting Diode, (LED) light bulbs in many different wattages, colors, shapes, and applications. From the ubiquitous MR16, to the PAR20/30/38 reflectors, and even the AR111. Best Regards, Joseph Fallas, President Luzdecor,S.A./Falco, S.A. Tel:+507-270-7412 Fax:+507-270-7414 USA Tel.: +1-305-974-3874 USA Fax: +1-772-325-6405"

Thanks, Joe: Mom's feeling somewhat better, still in the hospital, recovering slowly. Here's the photos of the light fixtures you sent. (more)

Most definitely! Whether you’re a business or a household, the world is taking a green approach towards the environment. But, let’s be honest. Most individuals, although wanting to be environmentally conscious, are focused today on saving money any way possible. In just about all cases of medium to high energy use areas all would benefit financially with changing over to a more efficient light bulb. It is not a question of would a LED be a more efficient product, it would Hands Down! It is a question of energy use- in an area of lesser energy consumption your return on investment for these lights might be longer due to the larger upfront cost of the bulbs. In high usage areas changing to a Compact Florescent (CFL) or Light Emitting Diode (LED) will cost you more up front but will definitely save you a tremendous amount of money over continued years of use. It is easy to be green and see huge savings if you plan on staying in your home for generally- more than (5) years or in a commercial site for more than (2) years. (more)

Luzdecor has just received a new assortment of crystal chandeliers, modern hanging and bathroom vanity fixtures. We also have a great new 3 watt LED (Light Emitting Diode) light bulb that is a direct replacement for the super hot short lived 50 watt halogen dicroic light bulbs. The LED replacement will outlast the halogen light bulb 50 times over. Another advantage the LED light bulb has is that it does not generate any outward heat, so the A/C in the room with the LED's will run much more efficiently, without the need to cool the heated air that the halogens create. And of course the 3 watt LED bulbs use much less energy than the 50 watt bulbs they replace. Luzdecor has many new LED and Cold Cathode lighting products available now to make your home or workplace much more energy efficient and comfortable. Please click on this link to see a slideshow of some of the lighting fixtures available. For more information please contact;

Luzdecor / Falco, S.A., Local Tel: +507-270-7412, Local Fax:+507-270-7414, USA Tel: +1-305-974-3874, USA Fax: +1-772-325-6405, E:mail: bigboss@luzdecor.com, or visit our website.

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One of the main goals for lighting is to have security at night, for our families, our homes and our neighborhoods. However, the task is to be safe, not just to feel safe. Visibility is the goal. You want to be able to see rather than just have an abundant amount of fixtures blinding everyone and creating harsh shadows. Quality, vivid or brilliant lighting is essential for any real security situation. As a society, we all support law enforcement efforts to help, protect and serve our community. During a recent business trip to Panama City last year, we completed a Light Emitting Diode Proposal (LEDs) for the Energy Division of the Panama Canal Authority. While driving by the Headquarters of the Panamanian National Police in Ancón we noticed a lighting opportunity at the security checkpoints entering and leaving the facility. The station had sufficient lighting for the soldiers, but, based on a recent LED special services and checkpoint guidance we presented to enforcement officers in the US we decided to coordinate and meet with the Engineering department of the Ancon Police Station. (more)

The construction of buildings suffered a decline of 22.2% in the fourth quarter of 2009 in the districts of Panama and San Miguelito, compared with the same period last year, according to the Census of Construction of the Comptroller General of the Republic. In the last quarter of last 2009 a total of 784 buildings were built, while in the fourth quarter of 2008 the number was 1,008. What's more, a total of 629 occupancy permits were issued in the fourth quarter of 2009, registering a fall of 38.39% compared to the same period of time in 2008.

"At the moment there is little availability of suitable land for construction in the area, and the few that exist are very expensive, which has affected the sector," said Elisa Suarez Gomez, the Executive Director of the National Council of Housing Promoters of Panama. She added that the trend for 2010 with regard to buildings in San Miguelito will remain the same, with a slight tendency towards a decrease.

However, Pedro Detresno, the owner of Pedro's Real Estate, the construction of new buildings in these areas will achieve a recovery towards the end of this year or in the beginning of 2011. He explained that this recovery will be a result of the start of the current government's five year plan which will be pushed further by the ongoing project of the expansion of the Panama Canal.

In this sense Aristides Hernandez, of the consulting firm BDO Panama, said that despite the decline in private sector buildings, the decline this year will be offset by an increase in the construction in the public sector. Among other expectations of the sector a decrease is expected in the construction of high rise buildings and apartments, offset by an increase in the construction of infrastructure, roads, and houses. Detresno said the construction sector is currently directed towards the local market and tourism, unlike past years when the market was directed towards foreign buyers.

During the first quarter of 2010 the amount of construction being accomplished by the Grupo Su Casa increased 15%, according to their Vice President Guillermo Quijano. "Sales of low cost social housing and to the middle class increased significantly, encouraged by the Law of Social Interest, thanks to good levels of liquidity in the banks, and because we expect the prices of materials used in construction to remain stable," said Quijano. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: Check out this same article as "interpreted" by another online publication. Notice, there is no mention in the original article of the last line. Also, they fail to credit the original source. This article appeared in the Panama America yesterday, 5 June 2010. Now, with that having been clarified, there is no doubt that the construction sector is turning away from apartments and moving towards commercial buildings, infrastructure, roads, and other large scale projects. For example when they talk about projects of "social interest" what they mean is that they are building large numbers of low cost houses for people who make less money. There is a government program which basically provides the profit margin. If I can remember the numbers off of the top of my head I think the builders get $5,000 for each house they can deliver at a price of $21,000 or less, and it has to meet a series of government specifications. Like, so many square meters, so many rooms, on a lot of a certain size, etc. What's more, the construction sector in Panama is looking at the 8,000 jobs they have to fill to build the third set of locks for the expansion of the Panama Canal. And, Panama is about to embark on the construction of a new mass transit project - the Panama Metro - which will cost about $2 billion dollars. All told in the next five years the government of Panama will spend about $17 billion dollars on public sector projects, and the guys who are in the construction business are walking around making tents in their pants - yes, they are happy to see it coming. So, of course there is a decline in permits for highrise apartment buildings, because a whole lot of them have already been built. The main point of this article is that the construction guys are moving on to something else. And that, my friends, is a good and healthy thing for the Panamanian economy in the strategic sense.

These Solar LED Pathway/Deck lights just arrived to my store, Luzdecor on Calle 50. They are great for areas requiring soft lighting that are difficult to electrify. There is no addition to your electricity bill and they will not increase your carbon footprint. Very Green! * Bright white LED lights your driveway, walkway or steps * Easy to install, no wiring needed * Automatically turns on at dusk, recharges during the day * Rustproof cast aluminum frame * Three-way switch for manual on/off and flasher * Overall dimensions: 4-1/4" L x 3-7/8" W x 1-1/8" H Contact: Joseph Fallas, Luzdecor / Falco, S.A., Tel: +507-270-7412, USA Fax: +1-772-325-6405, Fax:+507-270-7414, E:mail: bigboss@luzdecor.com, Website: www.luzdecor.com

Khiva Fine Rugs - Welcome to the most diverse, distinctive and beautiful Oriental rug collection available in Latin America. Our large, comfortable showroom has hundreds of rugs of exceptional quality, beautiful craftsmanship and breathtaking design. Every offering is a work of art from the world’s most renowned rug makers, including Lapchi, Safavieh, Abbyson, Endless Knot Rug Company and Orient Express Rug Company.

Khiva has developed and introduced the Olga Sinclair Rug Collection inspired by the art of the internationally acclaimed Panamanian artist Olga Sinclair. Each rug in the collection is a one of a kind masterpiece reflecting the excellence of the rug maker’s art, and is available only at Khiva Fine Rugs in Panama.

In addition, Khiva gives you the freedom to design rugs to fit your taste, your home and your life with our custom design services. By offering over 200 patterns and colorways whose size, shape, texture, materials, weave, colors and design elements may be customized to suite your décor and style, Khiva Fine Rugs gives you a limitless array of decorating opportunities. You need look no further than Khiva Fine Rugs' spacious showroom to find exactly the right carpet to enhance, beautify and warm your space. (more)

Luzdecor would like to remind everyone of the importance of using energy saving light bulbs in both the home and office in Panama. As you already know, electricity is expensive in Panama. Our new MCT3 watt lamps are shaped like a torpedo, and the 2 watt MA2WW, along with the 3WG20 are all cold cathode compact fluorescent and should last up to 25,000 hours. The 3 watt torpedo and the G20 are both dimmable with a regular dimmer, and are designed to replace 40 watt incandescent light bulbs. These cold cathode lamps also do not generate hardly any heat whatsoever, therefore allowing the ambient air to be cooler which in turn allows air conditioning systems to operate more efficiently. This also helps dramatically in the electricity costs. And since these lamps last 4 times as long as conventional compact fluorescent lamps, they do not have to be changed practically at all. This also saves in the trips to the store, gas and time to replace the bulbs. Luzdecor in Panama City, carries a wide range of lamps, bulbs, and all kinds of lighting fixtures.

Contact Information:

• Store Location: Luzdecor is located in Panama City on Calle 50, just past McDonald's on the right-hand side.
  
  
• Telephone: +011 (507) 270-7412
  
  
• Panama Fax: +011 (507) 270-7414
  
  
• USA Fax Number: (772) 325-6405
  
  
• HK Fax: +852-301-49505
  
  
• Email: bigboss@luzdecor.com
  
  
• Website: www.luzdecor.com

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Hello Don. My name Is Michael Monahan from New York. I saw your article on Panama Guide about Panama Project Development Services so I decieded to write to you. I was recently in Pedasi Panama to look after property I purchased a few years ago. Specificaly, I was in Pedasi to deal with a number of drainage and erosion issues which were undermining the road through the property. While I was there i ran into John Brock the president of Panama Project Development Services. John was there setting up an office in Pedasi for his architecture and engineering company in order to serve Azuro area. John agreed to visit the site and to take a look at the drainage and erosion problems. In just a few short hours John developed strategies that are straight foward economical and ecologically responsible.I learned more about grading, drainage, and erosion control from John in one day than all of the supposed engineering advice I had gotten from others over the past few years. I would recommend that anyone thinking about buying land building a home or developing a project in Panama talk to John Brock. I wish I had met him sooner I would have saved a lot of time, money, and frustration. Michael Monahan."

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Long On Experience – Low On Overhead - Panama Project Development Services, PANAPROSA, is a group of experienced, senior level planners, architects, engineers and project managers organized and led by John Brock, the original founder of McKinney Internacional. Offering full project design and delivery in the Republic of Panama and surrounding countries, PANAPROSA fills a very specific niche in the Panama real estate and development community. Through very low organizational and operational overhead we offer a seasoned team of successful, bilingual professionals at very competitive fees. Our core practice is dedicated to commercial, industrial and logistics projects; however, we are well experienced in residential design, community planning and construction phase management as well. (more)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The following was forwarded to me from the owner of Panama Construction Services: - "Dear Doug, I have caught myself numerous times this week just standing in my newly remodeled bathroom staring and admiring your workmanship. I have invited three neighbors over just to show it off !I guess that means I should write this letter and let you know how pleased I am. First of all, the care you took to keep my house clean by putting down drop cloths and keeping the dust vacuumed up was greatly appreciated. I didn't have to clean house at all after your remodel job. Second the quality of your work is fantastic. I especially admire the extra planning and time it took to do the shower stall ceiling. The pattern of the tile around the recessed light is gorgeous. Your timeliness and care was extraordinary. I look forward to hiring you again in the future. Virginia M. Atlanta, Ga"

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By Zelideth Cortez for La Critica - Good prospects are expected in 2010 for the construction industry, announced the president of the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (CAPAC), Jaime Jované. "Despite the financial crisis we expect to finish out 2009 with a growth (in the construction sector) of between 2% and 3%, and we hope during 2010 we will see even better growth of between 4% and 5%, because the government has an aggressive investment plan," said Jované. He said in order to maximize this growth there should be a National Development Plan, which will turn into a state policy based on clear rules, so the expected growth in the construction sector does not conflict with the quality of life of the population. Jovane thinks with the implementation of the new Vice Minister of Housing and Territorial Development, the government will be able to define and improve many land use regulations for beaches, real estate systems, industrial areas, and to create areas geared toward the growth of the population, among others.

Related Articles:

• Investment in Construction Stays At High Level
  
  
• Construction in Panama Increasing, Year on Year
  
  
• Panama: The Next Investment Grade

By Cynthia Sanchez for the Panama America - The decline in the (residential) construction sector this year has been offset by investment in tourism and hotel construction, in both Panama City as well as along the beaches, along with new shopping centers being built, office buildings, and low-cost housing. According to the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (CAPAC), the value of building permits - those which have already been approved as well as new projects - has been "very stable" throughout 2009 - generating an investment of $1.2 billion dollars and showing no variation when compared to 2008. According to a report issued by Panama's Comptroller General covering the period from January through September of 2009, the value of permits issued to build new buildings and to construct repairs and additions registered an increase of 7.0%, with much of the increases being felt in the district of Colon (38.1%) and Panama (15%). Permits for non residential buildings rose by 95.2%. Meanwhile, decreases were registered in San Miguelito (-59.1%) and Arraiján (-49.2%). As a group, construction in David, Chitré, Santiago, Aguadulce and La Chorrera fell 16.1%. Permits for residential construction fell by 17.1%. (more) (See Comments)

La Critica - The total value of building permits issued through October of 2009 increased by $2 million dollars (0.1%) according to a statistical report issued by the Ministry of Economy and Finance. According to the report the total value of permits for new construction, additions and repairs in Panama was $1.395 billion dollars through October 2009, an increase of $2 million dollars over the same period last year. The statistical report reflects a significant increase in the value of nonresidential construction (69.4%), while simultaneously reflecting a drop in the value of residential construction (21.3%). (Editor's Comment: Wow. New permits worth another $1.3 billion have been issued this year? In spite of the global economic crisis? Clearly, Panama remains a single bright spot among Latin American economies. This is great news.)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Doug Land from Panama Construction Services forwarded this reference letter to me this morning from a happy customer -

"Dear Doug/Panama Construction Services. I am writing to let you know how very happy Michael and I are with the work you did for us on our kitchen. It turned out exactly as we had hoped and we are more than pleased with the result. Working with you and your team was completely professional, honest and enjoyable. You were always accessible and friendly. Your suggestions were very helpful and show in the finished product. We would most highly recommend your company to anyone planning renovations or remodeling. Please feel free to use us as a reference for any upcoming plans. We wish you very good luck in Panama. You are a welcome addition to the city. Fondly, Carol Sims."

Contact Info: You can reach Doug at cell phone numbers 6663-5108 or 6810-9915, via email to douglasjland@earthlink.net, or visit his website at panamaconstructionservices.com.

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

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Panama Construction Services is a general contractor dedicated to complete renovations and new construction. Panama Construction Services, Inc. is committed to building long term relationships with satisfied customers by providing reliable service and quality solutions, focusing on the details and expectations of our customers' construction needs. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on your next residencial or comercial construction project! PCS. will tailor it's services to your individual needs which may include design support, preliminary budgeting, planning, scope management, project scheduling, project administration, and supervision. Residential or Commercial. No matter which route you choose, PCS. always ensures quality and 100% total customer satisfaction! We look forward to the opportunity to work with you on your next construction project!

Panama Construction Services and DJ Land S.A. is an independently owned Panamanian corporation that operates as a full service building and remodeling contractor. The company's focus is to provide a unique combination of knowledge, leadership, and proven skills in the construction and remodeling business. We are fully licensed and insured, with more than 25 years of experience. Doug Land prides himself on the quality of his work at a fair price. According to Doug;

• "I feel that developing quality relationships with our customers are essential. If you or someone you know is looking for an honest and reliable contractor then give us a call. I pride myself on doing what I say I'm going to do."

By Enrique L. Brathwaite for Mi Diario - It was observed that too much land was removed from the base of the Plaza Lourdes building. The construction work adjacent to the Plaza Lourdes building, located on Calle 71 BIS in the Carrasquilla neighborhood of San Francisco, came close to causing an accident. Yesterday afternoon rains accelerated the landslide near a wall being built in what will eventually be the basement of the Sunflower Tower. Apparently, the bad underpinnings of this structure caused the wall of the terrace of one of the apartments on the ground floor of the Plaza Lourdes building, home to some 60 families, to collapse. As expected, the situation caused panic for all of the residents of the building, who were evacuated as night fell to allow for a whole series of studies to be conducted to assess the condition of the structure and to determine if it is safe to be inhabited. A Warning Had Been Given - The owner of the apartment hit by the collapse said she warned the people in charge of the Sunflower Tower project that they were removing too much land from the base of the building and that would cause what happened yesterday. Authorities from the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) validated the need to evacuate the families as they develop the necessary investigations.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Joe Fallas from Luzdecor has another happy customer to his credit. I received the following in email this afternoon:

• "Don I am writing you this e-mail to Thank you for the introduction to Joe Fallas from Luzdecor many months ago. You introduced us at one of my poker events and since we have become good buddies. Anyway I recently moved into a new apartment. And we totally redecorated before we moved in. So it was time for the lights. I didn’t hesitate I went right to Joe. And boy was I happy I did so. See me like most men are happy with just a light bulb. But we all have to cater to our wives. I went to Joes store on Street 50. And he handled everything from there. He took the time to show my wife everything. Explain all the lighting techniques. Even showed us how to save money on the electric bill. Was a all around great guy and the service not just from him but from his staff was great. He even came to my home after my second visit to give us the advice we needed to finish the job. Even called his store to make sure he had what we needed in stock and met me there 30 minutes later and I came home and the electrician installed it that day. So once again Don you have introduced me to many but Thanks again because Joe is a top notch guy and provides top service. Thanks again, Scotty King."

And, There You Have It: If you need lights, lamps, fixtures, bulbs, or a chandelier to swing from in a g-string, Joe's your guy. Wait a minute, I just got a mental image of Scotty swinging from a chandelier in a g-string...not good. Not good at all...

Copyright 2009 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

By Mabel Cruz R. for the Panama America - Many have opted to seek financing through the Panama Stock Exchange. The construction sector grew 34% in the first half of 2009, compared with same period of last year, according to reports from the Nation's Comptroller. However Superintendent of Banks said fewer disbursements to projects already underway and caution in approving new projects might have a negative impact on 2010. On this issue economist Raul Moreira, President of the College of Economists, said that in order to execute new projects the construction sector is obtaining funding through the Panama Stock Exchange as an alternative method to obtain capital for their work. He explained that if financing is restricted then unemployment will rise, thus causing the same collateral side effect to the banks who rely heavily on consumers who are looking to buy new houses and apartments. Despite this background, Juan Manuel Vasquez, the Director of the Office of Building Construction of the Municipality of Panama, said that through 31 July 2009 their office has granted 971 building permits representing a total investment of approximately $3 billion dollars. These permits, Vasquez said, have been granted for the construction of new buildings, hotels, housing developments as well as modifications to existing structures. Some sectors experiencing a growth in construction are San Francisco, Bella Vista, Juan Diaz and La Cumbres. Data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) reflects an increase of $287 million in construction spending during the first half of 2009 (a total of $1.112 billion) compared to $835 million in the same period of last year. Juan Manuel Vasquez added that private enterprise has the greatest impact on this sector.

La Prensa - As of today cars will be able to use two lanes of Ave. Balboa that have been closed since 12 May 2009 when part of the sidewalk and road collapsed due to the failure of a underground retaining wall that was part of the construction of the Star Bay Tower, owned by F&F properties. The engineer in charge of the construction project, Jose Gomez, said the street was repaired and totally stabilized, but since they have not yet finished repairing the sidewalk they have designated two lanes for vehicular traffic and the third lane for pedestrians. "We cannot guarantee that there will be not be any incidents in the area of the street where we worked, but we can certify that we complied with repair design as approved by the authorities," he said. We tried to contact the person who is in charge of overseeing these repairs on the part of the Ministry of Public Works, Jorge Pitalúa, but it was impossible to speak with him.

By ANA TERESA BENJAMÍN for La Prensa - About 17,000 construction permits have been granted by the Director of Municipal Engineering in the District of Panama during the term of their director, Jaime Salas. He said that, during the past four years and eight months, his office has issued 9,000 permits for large projects and another 8,000 for smaller projects. In addition, they have approved an additional 4,500 drafts for future projects. Salas added that during 2008 construction permits issued represent a total value of $1.4 billion dollars of investment spending in the country.