Bhisho - The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has approved R54 million for the construction of salt crystallization plant at the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ).

The construction of a purpose-built pure vacuum-dried (PVD) salt crystallization facility for the salt company Cerebos, will start in February 2007 within the IDZ near Port Elizabeth.

The IDZ is one of the government's high priority projects to bring about significant economic benefits to the Eastern Cape region, create employment, energise industrial development and promote international trade.

DBSA investment officer for this project, Simon Vincent pointed out that the Eastern Cape was one of the bank's designated "hot spots" in dire need of infrastructure development and job creation.

WCB rate reduction for construction firms

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba has announced it's cutting rates for construction firms that encourage a safe workplace.

The Incentive Plan in Construction will cut WCB rates by five percent for firms that earn safety association accreditation through the Manitoba Heavy Construction Association, or the Consttruction Safety Association of Manitoba.

The plan starts January 1st, and is open to over 5,500 construction firms. It will be funded by the construction firms through a small surcharge increase, which doesn't apply to other industries.

CJOB's Brett Megarry reporting.

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Equinox Signs Fixed Price Construction Contract With Ausenco ...

Equinox Minerals Limited (TSX:EQN)(ASX:EQN) (the "Corporation") is pleased to announce that the Corporation and the joint venture of Ausenco Limited ("Ausenco") and Bateman Engineering BV ("Bateman") have agreed and signed the final contract price for the Engineering, Procurement & Construction ("EPC") contract for the Lumwana Copper Project already under construction in the North Western province of Zambia.

Subsequent to the previously announced Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP") of US$417.4 million and following final definition of scope, optimisation of the process plant design, further detailed engineering, implementation and risk mitigation programs, the Corporation announces that the total final fixed-price EPC is US$407.6 million, inclusive of funds spent to date. The fixed-price EPC contract with Ausenco and Bateman includes the project capital cost, engineering, contingency, escalation, the EPC fee and represents the final contracted price.

New homes paraded this weekend in Columbia

You can find Parade of Homes houses at 12 subdivisions throughout Columbia. Look for the yellow Parade of Homes sign in the front yard.

Prefabs and Pods in the Construction Industry

The use of prefabricated pods and modules within the construction industry is rising dramatically, as these constructions potentially offer major reductions in costs and time spent onsite. This seminar will address this growing industry by focusing on:

The pros and cons of using a pre-fabrication and pods in construction The design cycle required to make prefabs and pods work Integrating the manufacture and installation of pre-fabricated sections and modules into the construction cycle The lessons learned off-site the view of the fabricator How well does it work? Case studies from completed projects

Benefits of Attendance

The seminar will highlight the benefits of using a pre-fabricated solution in the construction industry, addressing the requirements for design, planning installation and integration of both the building fabric elements and the building services systems; and the potential pitfalls of introducing this method of building.

Good Planning, Knowledgable Builders Are Keys To Success For Baby ...

October 5, 2006 - With October 8-14 designated as National Aging-in-Place Week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is encouraging consumers to plan out their future needs early and to learn about the smart ways homes can be designed or modified to ensure convenience and safety as residents age. .