The total gross value of construction works by main contractors rose 8.5 per cent on a year earlier to HK$24.1 billion in 2008's first quarter, according to a Census & Statistics Department quarterly survey.
     Analysed by type, the gross value of construction works at private-sector sites totalled HK$8.3 billion. The increase was mainly associated with the progressive stepping up of works at some large commercial building sites. The gross value of construction works at public-sector sites dipped to HK$3.9 billion. The fall was mainly due to completion of works in some large transport projects.

     For works by main contractors at locations other than construction sites, the gross value amounted to HK$11.9 billion. In terms of end-use, group residential building projects accounted for the largest share, with the gross value at HK$4.5 billion. This was followed by commercial building projects, with gross value totalling HK$3 billion.
     On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, the gross value of construction works by main contractors rose 0.4 per cent in nominal terms, but dipped 1.1 per cent in real terms.