The long-delayed Davao-Samal Island was shelved anew after a family filed a written protest before the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“We can expect that there will be a delay for this project,” Mayor Sara Duterte said.
The family, which was not identified by the mayor, owns a property that will be affected by the construction of the Davao-Samal bridge road. Based on the information from the DPWH, they are planning to file a Writ of Kalikasan before the court.
“I have received a complaint from a family in Samal island saying they are opposing the project since their property will be greatly affected,” she said.
A Writ of Kalikasan is a “legal remedy under Philippine law that provides protection of one’s constitutional right to a healthy environment, as outlined in Section 16, Article II of the Philippine Constitution, which states that the state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.”
“Despite the possible delay, we have technically started already as NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) already approved our papers,” she said, adding that the design for the bridge was given the go-signal.
The connecting road for the bridge will start along R. Castillo, Agdao District. The end of the route has not yet been specified, as the mayor is still not certain of that area in Samal.
“NEDA already approved the project, but the delay is caused by the opposing family, which we will be dealing with,” she said.
The NEDA granted a total of P23.04 billion for the implementation of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector project. The project aims to provide a permanent road linkage between the two areas to reduce the travel time and reliability constraints experienced by commuters when traveling by ferry.
