Editorial: Samal's lack of proper connectivity

File photo
File photo

FOR years people have been clamoring to connect Samal Island to the mainland with a bridge. However, administrations have come and gone but this infrastructure has yet to be realized.

At present, the only means to get to the Island Garden City of Samal is through a barge. It was quite good back then when the traffic was light.

Recently, more and more people are coming to Davao City. Some of them also want to hop on the boat and enjoy the island's beaches or explore investment opportunities. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear stories of a long queue of cars at the port in Sasa waiting to be accommodated by the barges that will take them to the island. During the holidays, we have heard stories of vehicles stuck for an hour at the line before they got on the barge.

Vehicle stuck in the lines can also translate to millions of losses for Samal-based establishments; especially if the vehicle owners decided to not continue on with their trip to the island.

However, we have to acknowledge that it will be a while before a bridge is constructed. The Davao-Samal Bridge still has to undergo a long process before it is established. A lot of things have to be considered like its impact to the environment.

Aside from the bridge, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) 11 revealed that if a bridge is not feasible, a tunnel is another option to connect Samal to the mainland.

The government has to make up its mind fast if it will put up a bridge or a tunnel to connect Samal to Davao City.

Samal Island needs a proper infrastructure that will allow to connect people seamlessly between the island and the mainland.

By having a proper infrastructure, the Island Garden City of Samal will be able to fully realize its potential. There will now be a seamless flow of goods and services that will benefit the local economy and improve the lives of the residents.

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