Panama News Briefs

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Despite recent fatal accidents resulting in the deaths of construction workers in Panama City, the Ministry of Labor announced today their inspectors have conducted a total of 59,728 inspections on job sites during the current administration, between September 2004 and December 2008. These inspections have been conducted with regards to the issues of safety and security at job sites, issues regarding immigration and illegal workers, child labor, pregnant woman and occupational security. Labor Minister Edwin Salamín Jaén, said that during the same period they have increased the number of inspectors from 40 in 2004 to 150 in 2008, and that these professionals are in a constant process of training, qualification and specialization. In addition the inspectors now have improved working conditions as well as better infrastructure, enhanced access to technology and logistical support to do their work.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Luzdecor of Panama is one of the largest lighting companies in Panama City. Located on Calle 50, we have a wide selection of all kinds of lighting fixtures. Our lighting design experts can help you pick and choose the right solution for your needs. We have all available technologies and can find the right mix of solutions for any space or situation. We import and export lighting fixtures through the Colon Free Trade zone, and can provide any level of quality merchandise; high-end one of a kind pieces, to large volume solutions for construction projects. We also specialize in technical and colorized lighting. New lighting fixtures arrive continuously. Modern Italian fixtures are available as well as classic Crystal chandeliers. Wall sconces and flush mounted ceiling fixtures are plentiful in addition to a full line of bathroom vanity fixtures. Tiffany table lamps are a very popular solution for hard to decorate areas. (See Item on Special Sale)

Note - Special "Garage Sale" at Luzdecor: Luzdecor has been advertising on Panama-Guide for years and they want to let you know they recently received a large shipment of new inventory for the retail store, and as such they need to make some room in the warehouse. They're running a special "garage sale" in February and prices have been greatly reduced to pennies on the dollar for things such as single or last remaining items, "scratch and dents", incomplete fixtures, and old stock. With the arrival of all of the new items combined with the price cuts on the clearance items makes this a great time to stop by Luzdecor in Panama City if you need lighting fixtures for your home or office. Make sure you mention you saw it on Panama-Guide.

Established in Colon Free Trade Zone: One of Luzdecor's biggest advantages is that our company has been established as a major importer and reseller of wholesale lighting products in the Colon Free Trade Zone for many years. By being in this position we are able to make high quality and high value merchandise available to our retail customers in Panama City and throughout the Republic. We do both high volume wholesale international business as well as lower volume local retail business through our storefront on Calle 50 in Panama City.

Commercial Customers: We also attend to the lighting needs of commercial customers. We provide fixtures and solutions for large commercial shopping centers as well as lighting for new high rise apartment buildings. The idea here is the same - our retail customers benefit from the synergy of our relationships with our higher volume commercial customers, and they realize greater value through increased quality of product for a lower cost.

Specialty Replacement Bulbs: Not only does Luzdecor have a very wide assortment of lighting fixtures it has one of the most varied selections of replacement light bulbs in stock. It would be very difficult not to be able to find a replacement light bulb in Luzdecor. Generally if a light bulb can’t be found in Luzdecor then the owner will find the needed unit and provide a special order estimate within 48 hours.

Good Advice and Support: Luzdecor has many ties to other New Home/Remodeling contractors that may be of assistance in a move or remodeling project in Panama. Whether it be quality and reliable contractors for Air Conditioning, Sheet Rock Artisans, Flooring Experts, to Internet Service Providers; Luzdecor can assist in helping you find the additional help you may need to make your move as seamless as possible.

Please stop by and see what we have to offer. Visitors are always welcome. Call first for directions if necessary.

Considering the high cost of electricity here in Panama, Luzdecor maintains a wide selection of energy saving light bulbs, transformers, & dimmers. Quick, easy and efficient energy & cost saving light bulbs that are generally in stock year round are the ubiquitous compact fluorescent screw in replacement light bulbs ranging between 7 watts (35 Watt equivalent) all the way up to 105 watt ( Commercial 250-300 watt warehouse lighting equivalent).

We also now have available at very reasonable prices the latest in LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting technologies. Six vibrant colors are available in the LED line, Blue, Green, Red, Orange, Bright White, & Warm White. Specifically designed to replace the typical 50 watt halogen “spotlight,” LED lamps are available in 12 Volt bi-pin base (G5.3), 120 Volt bi-pin base (G5.3) and a standard medium base (E27). These LED replacements only use two (2) watts of electricity and normally last more than 50,000 hours.

Contact Information:

• Store Location: Luzdecor is located in Panama City on Calle 50, just past McDonald's on the right-hand side.
  
  
• Telephone: +011 (507) 270-7412
  
  
• Panama Fax: +011 (507) 270-7414
  
  
• USA Fax Number: (772) 325-6405
  
  
• HK Fax: +852-301-49505
  
  
• Email: bigboss@luzdecor.com
  
  
• Website: www.luzdecor.com

By William Sala for La Prensa - Three workers were slightly injured and six vehicles were damaged yesterday when the wet concrete of the 8th floor of a new building under construction in San Francisco called "The Metropolitan" collapsed as it was being poured. Police reports indicate the accident occurred shortly before noon. According to Pedro Cortés, a carpenter who is working on the building, when the concrete pour of the 8th floor collapsed, about 9,000 pounds of wet cement fell down to the next level where several people were working and three of them were injured. In addition, part of the 7th floor cracked under the additional weight and the material fell down into the street, damaging the cars that were parked in front of the building. The accident happened because a beam supporting the floor failed, according to Gregorio Guerrel of the Suntracs labor union. The company responsible for the construction of the project was unavailable for comment.

Editor's Comment: In Panama when construction workers pour a wet slab like this they call it a "losa". When they are pouring a slab, they tend to get very nervous because they know it's a time when things can go very wrong. If you have a very good memory you might remember this article, Brisas del Carmen: Construction Problems where virtually the same thing occurred as in this incident. What happens is that the construction crews get in a hurry to do the next floor, and the pour for the new slab is being supported by the previous floor below, which might not be quite set and strong enough to hold the weight. Since they said the 7th floor also cracked and gave way, that indicates this incident was a virtual repeat of the accident in El Carmen in February 2005. In any case, be very careful when you're anywhere near a construction site. Luckily, in this accident no one was killed. And since six cars were severely damaged by falling debris, it was nothing more than dumb luck that no one was killed on the ground.

(Article Continues)

Desplome de losa deja tres heridos

Los bomberos atendieron a los heridos. LA PRENSA/Gabriel Rodríguez1129287

William Salawsala@prensa.com

Tres obreros resultaron con heridas leves y seis vehículos quedaron dañados ayer al desplomarse la losa del octavo piso del edificio en construcción The Metropolitan, en San Francisco.

Reportes policiales indican que el hecho ocurrió poco después de mediodía.

Según Pedro Cortés, carpintero de la obra, al desprenderse la losa del octavo piso, unas 9 mil libras de concreto cayeron sobre el piso del siguiente nivel, en el que laboraban varios obreros en ese momento; tres de ellos quedaron heridos.

Además, parte de la losa del piso siete se rajó y el material fue a dar hasta la calle, causando daños a los carros que estaban estacionados frente al edificio.

El accidente se produjo al reventarse una viga que sostenía la losa, detalló Gregorio Guerrel, del Suntracs.

No se logró contactar a la empresa responsable de la obra.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Hello Don. Please post this on your site if allowed. I am a recent customer of Erik Hansen and his new screening that you wrote about. I had my entire home done by Eric. I had a full enclosure of a room with very detailed architecture. Eric and his team were a delight to work with. I am extremely pleased with the job. It looks beautiful. I highly recommend him! Thanks, Lucy Marshall 6516-1666" My pleasure. Nice to hear from a happy and satisfied customer.

Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Built with the understanding that "The Customer is King" and that nothing is impossible, Hansen offers their clients more than just a barrier against insects and debris, but provides a space adding to the grace and elegance of the home to which it is attached. Our screens do, in fact, provide excellent protection from biting insects which can be a distraction and nuisance, taking away from what would otherwise be a perfect evening. Our screens also provide protection from harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays, screening out 30% to 50%. Our screened in enclosures also extend the available living space of your home and allow you to share the outdoors. We utilize the most advanced construction techniques in the in the industry, and our Powder Coated Structural Aluminum components provide years of maintenance free use. (more)

Revolutionary New Materials: Our screen enclosures are built using a new revolutionary screen constructed from PVC instead of Fiberglass. Built to last, it is the only screen available in the industry that comes with a 10-year manufactures warranty. After a 7 year weathering test, Super Screen® lost only 1% of original strength! It is virtually unaffected by sun exposure and age. This equates to a 20 year or more lifespan! The UV tolerant properties of Super Screen® eliminate fading, flaking and brittleness. And, being incredibly strong, it exceeds Section 553.73 of the Florida Building Code for pool fencing!

Resistant to pet damage, wind blown debris, and falling objects!

Key Benefits of a Screen Enclosure: First and foremost, our screen enclosures provide protection from flying insects. Pool covered by our screens require less maintenance and they use less chemicals to maintain water quality. Our screens also provide a bit of privacy against people looking in while still rendering near 100% visibility looking out. You can also use our screen enclosures to personalize the style of your home. We have designs that blend with the aesthetics of your home becoming a functional and pleasant part of the facade. 16/14 mesh for clearest viewing with protection from mosquitoes, etc. and 17/20 mesh for protection from the smallest insects while still maintaining a view with little to no distortion. Both mesh sizes block a proportional amount of UV rays.

Now In Panama: Hansen Panama, established in 2007, comes from the Parent company Hansen Screen Enclosures Inc. established in Florida in 1988. From our beginning we have been involved in the development of aluminum structures with screens for insect control. Today with the advances in engineering and the science of polymeric plastics we offer a lifetime product.

Company Profile: We have provided our services to Southwest Florida as well as many other areas in the United States and around the world. Hansen Screen Enclosures, Inc. is an active member of the Florida Aluminum Association. We stay abreast of new advances in technology and we provide superior service to our customers, for example through the integration of the latest measuring devices into a complex CAD design and fabrication procedure allowing for less than 1/16" tolerances. We provide on-time service and no nonsense pricing and scheduling. Our team has worked together for many years and our employees pride themselves in Quality Designs and Customer Satisfaction of the Hansen Screen Enclosures. We provide:

• Two to Ten Year Warranties
  
  
• State of the Art Customer Friendly Detailed Estimating
  
  
• Cutting Edge Equipment in Measuring and Design
  
  
• Highest Quality of Materials with Superior Long Lasting Coating
  
  
• Exceed all Standard Codes in Final and Finished Products
  
  
• Highest Cost and Quantity of Fastening Hardware
  
  
• Superior Customer Satisfaction
  
  
• Reliable Fast Service
  
  
• Control Environment with Tight Tolerance Fabrication

What We Do: The purpose and mission of our company is to seal your house from insects at the same time expand the living space, opening the home to the fresh air. We have the strongest and longest lasting screen on the market and it is almost invisible. The installation is modern and permanent. During the evaluation of your home we look at all possible areas for ventilation and design the screen installation to maximize airflow.

Contact Information: Please feel free to contact us for further information or a quote:

Point of Contact: Erik M. Hansen

Telephone in Panama: +011 (507) 392-0301

Fax: +011 (507) 392-0300

Cellular: +011 (507) 6826-8125

Via Email: ehansen@mallaspanama.com

Visit Our Websites: www.hanscreen.com, www.super-screen.com, and www.mallaspanama.com

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By Luis Carlos Rodríguez for La Critica - A new fatal accident brings mourning to the construction industry. Jorge Pino Flores, 19 years old, was the victim who died. It was learned that the young man had been working for three months as a heavy equipment mechanic for the company Constructora Vial, a subsidiary of PYCSA-Panamá that is building the second phase of the Northern Corridor. The tragedy occurred at 10:00 am yesterday morning on Friday, 7 November 2008, near the Ojo de Agua interchange in the district of San Miguelito. A hydraulic shovel fell on him while he was working on it. According to his workmates Jorge was a happy person and a hard worker who in the short time he had been working gained the esteem of many. Genaro López, Secretary General of the SUNTRACS, criticized the supposed lack of safety and security on the job site and urged the Ministry of Labor to appoint more inspectors to guarantee workplace security. A spokesman of the company PYCSA, Santiago Quirós, lamented the death of the boy and denied there is a lack of safety on the site.

TRAGEDIA: VAN 8 MUERTOS EN LA CONSTRUCCION ESTE AÑO

Muchacho falleció bajo pala hidráulica

¡Qué frágil es la vida! Un muchacho, muy joven, que empezaba a saborear la vida y la dicha de la productividad, murió accidentado dejando tremendo dolor en sus deudos.

Luis Carlos Rodríguez | Crítica en Línea

Gregorio Guerrel, del SUNTRACS, criticó la inseguridad en el proyecto.

Un nuevo accidente laboral enlutece a la industria de la construcción.

Jorge Pino Flores, de 19 años, es la víctima fatal.

Se conoció que el muchacho tenía tres meses de laborar como mecánico de equipo pesado para la empresa Constructora Vial, una subsidiaria de PYCSA-Panamá que construye la segunda etapa del Corredor Norte.

La tragedia se registró a las 10: 00 de la mañana de ayer, viernes, cerca del entronque de Ojo de Agua, en el distrito de San Miguelito. Una pala hidráulica le cayó mientras la reparaba.

Jorge era-según sus compañeros de trabajo-una persona alegre y colaboradora, que en el escaso tiempo de laborar con ellos se ganó el aprecio de muchos.

Genaro López, secretario general del SUNTRACS, criticó la supuesta falta de seguridad existente en la mencionada obra y urgió al Ministerio de Trabajo a nombrar más inspectores que garanticen la seguridad laboral.

El vocero de la empresa PYCSA, Santiago Quirós, lamentó la muerte del muchacho y desmintió que no haya seguridad en la obra.

By GILBERTO PÉREZ for La Estrella - From January to August 2008 investment in construction rose 52%, from $726.2 million to $1.143 billion dollars compared to the same time period of the previous year, according to the primary monthly economic indicators of the General Comptroller of the Republic. Numbers reported by the Direction of Statistics and Census reveal that in the district of Arraiján growth was 133.2%, increasing from $21.3 million to $49.7 million dollars. In Colón growth was 84.2%, increasing from $19.2 million to $35.4 million dollars. And in Panama the increase was 54.3%. In addition in the areas of David, Bugaba, Chitré, Aguadulce and La Chorrera increases were 19.9%.

Editor's Comment: Panama's annual GDP for the entire nation is just over $9 billion dollars, annual. This report says that in the first eight months of 2008 already more than $1.1 billion dollars has been spent on construction. That's an amazing number considering the tiny size of Panama's economy.

INFORME

Construcción en Panamá crece un 52%

10-17-2008 | GILBERTO PÉREZgperezs@laestrella.com.pa

Portada PANAMÁ.

Entre los meses de enero y agosto de 2008, la inversión en la construcción registró un repunte de 52. 0%, de 726 millones 277 mil dólares, a mil 104 millones 143 mil dólares comparado con el mismo período del año anterior, según los principales indicadores económicos mensuales de la Contraloría General de la República.

Cifras de la Dirección de Estadística y Censo revelan que en el distrito de Arraiján el crecimiento fue de 133.2%, pasaron de 21 millones 330 mil dólares a 49 millones 734 mil dólares.

En Colón, el crecimiento fue del 84.2%. De 19 millones 233 mil dólares la pujanza alcanzó 35 millones 428 mil dólares.

Y en Panamá, el repunte se situó en un 54.3%.Entre tanto, en los distritos de David, Bugaba, Chitré, Aguadulce y La Chorrera, el aumento en la inversión fue del de 19.9%.

By Ohigginis Arcia for the Panama America - The promoters of some 23 construction projects in Panama City that do not have preconstruction approvals from the office of the Municipal Engineer have been cited for violating development laws for "publicidad engañosa" (deceptive advertising) and for defrauding buyers. Jaime Salas, the Municipal Engineer, said his office will apply fines of up to $100,000 per project for violating the norms as established in Law 6 of 1 February 2006, modified by Law 45 of 31 October 2007. Salas explained that the promoters of these projects located in several areas of Panama City have placed advertising on billboards, magazines, newspapers, on the Internet, and in other mass media, offering views of projects that have not even been approved by the Municipal Engineering office. (more)

"Many people in their eagerness to secure what seemed to be a good property paid initial down payments on properties featuring swimming pools, spas, social areas, and other facilities. But when the final product is delivered they discover that the project actually does not have a spa, pool or social area," he explained, as an example of how deceptive advertising occurs in Panama.

Salas said his office formally warned the Panamanian Board of Construction and other unions on several occasions that those projects which have not been presented to the office of Municipal Engineering for approval can not be promoted in any mass media, including housing fairs.

Salas called upon developers and promoters to abstain from this practice because the municipal inspectors will be inflexible in the imposition of fines.

"We are going to guarantee that the money invested by the poorest classes of this country is well spent, and that they are delivered the product offered to them in the beginning", he said.

CAPAC said infrastructure development is improving but there are still irregularities which affect activity at a national level.

Private investment in the construction sector has grown by more than $800 million dollars.

Much of that spending has occurred in Bella Vista, Balboa, El Cangrejo, the reverted areas, 24 de Diciembre, Hato Pintado, and Las Cumpres, among others.

Promotoras de proyectos estafan a panameños

Las autoridades impondrán multa de hasta B/.100,000 por publicidad engañosa, al infringir las normas de urbanismo de la ciudad contenidas en la Ley No.6 del 2006.

Ohigginis ArciaPA-DIGITAL

Hecho. En varios sectores de la ciudad ha crecido la inversión privada.

Las promotoras de unos 23 proyectos inmobiliarios en la ciudad capital, que no cuentan con anteproyectos aprobados por Ingeniería Municipal, fueron citadas por infringir las normas municipales de urbanismo, incurrir en la práctica de publicidad engañosa y estafar a los contribuyentes.

Jaime Salas, ingeniero municipal, precisó que la multa que se impondrá a estas promotoras será de hasta B/.100,000 por proyecto, al infringir las normas de urbanismo de la ciudad contenidas en la Ley No. 6 de 1 de febrero de 2006, modificada por la Ley No. 45 de 31 de octubre de 2007, que regula la materia.

Explicó que las promotoras de estos proyectos situados en diversos corregimientos del distrito de Panamá, colocaron anuncios publicitarios en vallas, revistas, periódicos, internet y otros medios de comunicación, ofreciendo facilidades de proyectos que ni siquiera han sido aprobado por Ingeniería Municipal.

"Muchas personas en su afán de apartar lo que a simple vista parecía una buena propiedad, entregaron el abono inicial de su vivienda motivadas por el anuncio de las promotoras que ofrecían piscinas, spa, área social y otras facilidades. Pero cuando le entregaron el producto final se dieron cuenta de la estafa: ni spa, ni piscina, ni área social", explicó Salas sobre la forma en que opera la publicidad engañosa en Panamá.

Sobre este particular, el funcionario municipal señaló que en reiteradas ocasiones ha enviado notas formales a la Cámara Panameña de la Construcción (CAPAC) y otros gremios que aglutinan el sector inmobiliario en la capital, advirtiendo que aquellos proyectos que no han sido presentados a Ingeniería Municipal para su aprobación no pueden ser publicitados por ningún medio de comunicación, incluso en las ferias de vivienda.

Salas hizo un llamado de atención a las promotoras y dueños de proyectos habitacionales, para que se abstengan de incurrir en esta mala práctica, porque los inspectores municipales serán inflexibles en la imposición de las multas.

"Nosotros vamos a garantizar que el dinero invertido por las clases humildes de este país no sea timado, y se les entregue el producto que al principio se les ofreció", recalcó el funcionario.

Por su parte, la CAPAC informó que el tema de desarrollo de infraestructuras se está mejorando, pero falta trabajar en irregularidades como estas que afectan la actividad a nivel nacional.

En ese sentido, la inversión privada en la República de Panamá en cuanto al sector de la construcción, ha crecido por encima de los B/. 800 millones.

Además los niveles de concentración de inversión en la industria se ha dado en Bella Vista, Balboa, El Cangrejo, Áreas Revertidas, La 24 de Diciembre, Hato Pintado, Las Cumbres, entre otros.

By Deivis Eliecer Cerrud for the Panama America - Masses of concrete continue rising in Panama City. As of 28 December 2007 there have been 1,901 construction permits granted in the city. As of October 2007 there were 1,234 permits granted (indicating a sharp rise in the last three months of the year.) City planners criticized the explosion of construction and growth, saying that the government officials are not thinking about the effect on the environment, since drainage systems to handle sewer and runoff waters are over tasked. In Bella Vista, San Francisco, and Ancon buildings higher that 22 floors are going up. Most of the apartments are sold before construction starts.

Editor's Comment: I stick by my predictions - there is nothing in the Panamanian economy right now indicated that the end to the construction boom is coming any time soon. International and domestic buyers continue to snap up inventory almost as soon as it's offered. There are some construction delays, but many buildings are being completed and delivered. Developers are finishing off the buildings they started two or three years ago and are moving on to newer and bigger projects. The Panamanian economy continues to grow and improve overall, hampered somewhat by inflation caused mostly by external factors such as rising fuel prices. Unemployment is down to 6.5% (or lower) and basically things have never been better. There are significant issues remaining to be overcome, specifically corruption (and even more specifically judicial corruption), but in general everyone is smiling. In short, the people who have been "nay saying" for more than a year are quite simply being proven wrong by events on the ground. Expect occasional burps, farts, and growing pains, and it's not going to be either perfect or pretty, but in the end of the day the construction boom in Panama is continuing along at a healthy gallop. Wanna buy a condo?

Aumentan permisos

Deivis Eliecer CerrudPA-DIGITAL

La moles de concreto siguen levantándose en la ciudad de Panamá.

Hasta el 28 de diciembre de 2007, en la ciudad se otorgaron 1,901 permisos de construcción.

Hasta octubre pasado habían 1,234 permisos.

Los urbanistas criticaron que no se piensa en las afectaciones al entorno, ya que las aguas negras y pluviales se desbordan.

En sectores de Bella Vista, San Francisco y Ancón se erigen edificios de más de 22 pisos.

Muchos apartamentos están vendidos.