2007 building plans passed up 6%

South Africa passed building plans worth R80,4bn last year - up 6%, or R4,6bn, on 2006, official data showed on Wednesday.

All the main building categories contributed positively to the 6% increase, with additions and alterations at 11% and non-residential buildings at 1,%, Statistics SA's data showed.

On residential buildings, dwelling houses is the category showing positive growth, recording an increase of 8,7%. Building plans passed for townhouses and flats fell 1,2% and plans passed for other residential buildings were down 3,1%, trimming the general residential building plans passed to 5,3%.

Residential building activity has come under pressure due to slowing housing demand and electricity shortages. However, infrastructure development should remain fairly buoyant. - Tiisetso Motsoeneng, I-Net Bridge

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