The aspirations for Davao City and Samal bridge gaining ground

DAVAO CITY, Jan 13 (PIA) The aspiration to build a bridge between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal is gaining ground with the support from the Davao del Norte Tourism Council.

Araceli Ayuste, chair of the Davao del Norte Tourism Council said it is high time to construct a bridge between IGACOS and the mainland given the influx of people to its resorts during the holidays.

She observed that the long cue of vehicles during the holidays made the IGACOS hard to reach on time.

“Motorists have to take a long cue for three hours before they could take the two ferry services in the area,” Ayuste said.

She said the bridge will hasten the access of people and goods.

Ayuste said that ten years ago, she opposed the proposal to construct of a bridge between IGACOS and Davao City to preserve the identity of IGACOS as an island.

“There is really a need to put up a bridge, because either peak or non-peak season, people have to sacrifice in going to the island because of the long wait and cue of vehicles,” she said.

Ayuste said the two ferry services in the area could hardly take the volume of vehicles.

She revealed that the Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson already visited the area and a feasibility study was already conducted for a construction of a bridge there.

“We want to offer to an investor who will build the bridge through build-operate and transfer scheme,” Ayuste said.

She said three investors are waiting for the feasibility study to see the financial viability of the project. (PIA 11-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)