The Czech construction sector has gotten through the worst of an extended recession and is finally settling back into growth. Output rose nearly 3 percent in 2014 according to the most recent figures from the Czech Union of Contractors to CZK 410bn. The group predicts that this growth will continue in 2015. The recipe to recovery is fairly obvious: economic growth throughout the country, which sparked investment in transport infrastructure as well as the construction of buildings and homes. Zdeněk Soukup of Hochtief said large projects were a big help, including ones like the Prague metro extension. The contractor OHL ŽS saw its turnover fall from CZK 13bn annually to just CZK 8bn in 2013, but 2014 saw a turnaround, with the company pulling in CZK 10.5bn. Industry leaders warn that the state has CZK 94bn to spend on transport projects, but that it might not be capable of spending it all, even though the sector desperately needs the cash injection.
