During the first nine months of 2016, the College of Engineers and Architects (CFIA) registered a 16% increase over the same time period compared to last year. This data corresponds to the registration of all construction drawings, as all work must be approved by the CFIA prior to municipal construction permits can be issued. During 2016 the province of Alajuela, San Jose, continues to galvanize the construction sector.
Within the 10 provinces, those with the greatest activity include San Jose, Alajuela, San Carlos, Heredia, and Liberia. In regards to the different types of construction projects, the greatest increase was seen in housing projects with a growth increase of 15% compared to the same time last year. With regard to the other types of projects, Commercial (premises, offices, shopping centers for example) showed an increase of 29%. But in the industrial sector, there was a drop of 32% when compared to the first nine months in 2015.
The results of the first nine months of 2016 registered a growth for both public and private projects. Public works show a growth of 92%, and this relates to government investments in highways, roads, hospitals, schools, and social housing. Private projects show an 8% growth when compared to the same time last year.