RAMALLAH, November 27, 2016 (WAFA) – The Construction Cost Index for residential buildings reached 102.03 with a decrease of 0.19% in the West Bank during October compared with September 2016 (base year 2013=100), according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

The Construction Cost Index for residential buildings decreased due to the decrease in the prices of raw materials by 0.37%, while rental of equipment increased by 0.71%. At the same time, labor wages remained stable during October 2016 compared with the previous month.

Decrease in the Construction Cost Index for Non-residential Buildings

The Construction Cost Index for non-residential buildings reached 102.16 with a decrease of 0.20% in the West Bank* during October compared with September 2016 (base year 2013=100).

The Construction Cost Index for Non-residential buildings decreased due to decrease in the prices of raw materials by 0.37%, while rental of equipment increased by 0.78%. At the same time, labor wages remained stable during October 2016 compared with the previous month.

Decrease in the Construction Cost Index for Skeleton Buildings

The Construction Cost Index for Skeleton buildings reached 99.03 with a decrease of 0.48% in the West Bank during October compared with September 2016 (base year 2013=100).

The Construction Cost Index for Skeleton buildings decreased due to the decrease in the prices of raw materials by 0.79%, while rental of equipment increased by 0.76%. At the same time, labor wages remained stable during October 2016 compared with the previous month.

Decrease in the Road Cost Index (RCI)

The overall Road Cost Index (RCI) reached 106.88 with a decrease of 0.13% in the West Bank during October compared with September 2016 (base month December 2008=100).

The overall Road Cost Index decreased due to the decrease in operating costs of equipment & maintenance by 0.57%, and the prices of raw materials by 0.31%, while rental of equipment increased by 0.35%. At the same time, labor wages remained stable during October 2016 compared with the previous month.

Decrease in the Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI)

The overall Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) reached 110.14 with a decrease of 0.10% in the West Bank* during October compared with September 2016 (base month January 2010=100).

Water Reservoirs Cost Index reached 101.60 with a decrease of 0.39%, while Water Networks Cost Index reached 114.02 with a slight increase of 0.01% during October 2016 compared with the previous month.

Slight decrease in the Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI)

The overall Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) reached 108.16 with a slight decrease of 0.06% in the West Bank during October compared with September 2016 (base month January 2010=100).

M.N