In the June quarter of 2014, a total of 362 building permits for construction work valued at $44.9 million was approved.

Data for June Quarter 2014 shows an increase in the total number of building permits issued by 1.7 per cent and the total value for construction works approved also increased by 7.6 per cent when compared against the first quarter of 2014.

The unadjusted value of construction works approved in June Quarter 2014 was $44.9 million.

The trend for the total value of construction work shows that in the second quarter of every year, it is at its peak as depicted in the graph below.

Completion certificates was issued at a total of 135 with a value of $59.4 million in June quarter 2014.

In comparison with the previous three months to March, it is 10.0 per cent lower in the number of completion certificates issued but an increase by 291.3 per cent in their value.

Of the $59.4 million in building works completed, $3.6 million was for Private Dwellings – a decrease by $2.1 million, $54.9 million for Non Private Dwellings – an increase by $46.9 million and $0.9 million for Alterations and Miscellaneous work which decreased by $0.2 million.

When comparing the data from 2012 to June quarter 2014 as you may find in the graph below, the total value of completion certificates issued was fluctuating at small intervals but was at its peak in June quarter 2014.

The major attribution to this was due to the completion certificate issued for Commercial, Hotels and Religious Buildings which contributed a total of 92.4 per cent in the number of building works completed.

More commercial buildings being constructed translates into more jobs, thus generating significant economic activity.

Central Division beats all

Accordingly permits were concentrated in the Central Division with 58.8 per cent for the value of $28.9 million, 35.7 per cent with a value of $15.4 million for the Western Division and 5.5 per cent with a value of $600,000.