Davaoenos have been waiting for decades to go in and out of Samal Island even in inclement weather. Soon, that will finally be possible.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced that the People's Republic of China (PRC) has agreed to provide Official Development Assistance (ODA) to design and build the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge.
Department of Finance (DOF) Sec. Carlos G. Dominguez III and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian have exchanged the framework of the loan agreement which will cover 90 percent of the project's PHP 23.039-billion construction cost.
DPWH Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain said the project is set to have its groundbreaking in July 2022, which will commence an estimated 5-year-long construction period. In line with the loan procedures and arrangements of China to the Philippines, China Road and Bridge Corporation has been selected by the DPWH as the contractor for the project.
The 3.98-kilometer two-way, four-lane bridge will connect the Samal Circumferential Road in the Island Garden City of Samal to the R. Castillo – Daang Maharlika junction in Davao City. From the usual travel time of around 26 to 30 minutes via ferry, the bridge is set to cut it to 5 minutes.
This will not only boost tourism in Samal Island, but will also provide a toll-free and reliable transportation link for local businesses and workers that frequently go in and out of the two areas.
