Or, a rising star in the booming construction sector caught in the cross-hairs of an arch rival and on criminal charges related to bid-rigging?

Karamath, who is before the courts on criminal charges related to the US$150 million desalination water plant at Point Lisas, is hanging tough, ignoring his critics and pushing full speed ahead to catch up on government-funded projects that have fallen behind schedule and over-budget-among them, the Manning administration's much-trumpeted Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Torouba.

Very low unemployment in construction

The unemployment i week 35, the first week of September, fell to 2.2 per cent in the building trades, corresponding to only 2826 persons out of work, close to the lowest figure ever. But the record is just round the corner. In week 29 the percentage was also 2.2, but then only 2813 persons were unemployed. The figures were presented by the construction sectors umbrella body BAT, which is pleased with the figures. Both because this means that many who would otherwise find it difficult to get a foothold in the labour market now get a chance. But also because the low unemployment contributes to put brakes on moonlighting. The unemployment in the building sector is very dependant on the weather. But with fine weather in the autumn the unemployment could get under 2 per cent in the weeks 37-41, economist Bo Sandberg, BAT, estimated.

Auditors question Alvin H. Butz courthouse contract

Northampton County should have sought bids for a construction manager to oversee the $45 million courthouse addition, instead of hiring a firm that did previous work at the government complex, auditors say.

The county controller's office says the county does not have a valid contract with Alvin H. Butz Inc. of South Whitehall Township.

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Understanding Economic Data: New-Home Construction

Every day, new information comes along to help investors make financial decisions. And as previous articles in this ongoing "Understanding Economic Data" series have discussed, releases of economic data on topics such as the U.S. current account and the Producer Price Index not only affect the financial markets those investors are involved in but also provide keys to understanding the overall economy. Today, we'll take a look at economic data as it relates to the housing industry. We'll help you understand how the numbers are calculated and what they mean to the economy.

With the boom in the real estate market over the past several years, the health of the economy has become increasingly dependent on business activity related to housing. Conversely, homebuilders such as Pulte (NYSE: PHM), Toll Brothers (NYSE: TOL), and Centex (NYSE: CTX) rely on a healthy housing market to sell their products.

Construction of Beirut Gate project soon to be under way

Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH), a leading property investor in the UAE has announced that the construction of its $600 million project in Beirut, Lebanon will soon be under way. The four architects of the project are in the city to finalise the master plan.

Analysts Expect Further Commodities Drop

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange just before the closing bell, Thursday Oct. 12, 2006. Stocks pushed higher Thursday, with the Dow Jones industrial average crossing 11,900 for the first time, after big consumer names like McDonald's Corp. raised hopes that corporate earnings would remain strong and the Federal Reserve said economic growth was moderate. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)