Mayor Sara optimistic on Davao-Samal Bridge realization

Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte is optimistic the long-time dream of connecting the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao mainland will be realized following the approval of the project by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board.

Mayor Sara confirmed in a press conference on Thursday that the NEDA Board chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the 2,830-kilometer bridge which has a project cost of P23 billion.

The mayor was optimistic that the NEDA Board’s approval made the project as another step to the Davao Region’s development. From Davao City side, the bridge Davao City point is located in R Castillo, Agdao. The project will also complement the Davao City Coastal Road project.

“Considered as nasugdan na siya because na-approve naman siya sa NEDA Board. NEDA Board na jud siya approved ‘no, dili lang sa ICC (Investment Coordination Committee) (The NEDA Board’s approval can be considered as the project’s official start. Not only is it ICC approved, but NEDA Board approved, as well,” she told reporters.

She said the necessary preparations including the design are ready, but the matters on the right-of-way still needed to be addressed since one affected family landowner is against the project.

Mayor Sara said a delay is expected since the opposition is planning to file Writ of Kalikasan or a law that protects one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment, on the project.

The Samal Bridge is one of the Build, Build, Build projects under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. CIO