Economic losses due to the continuing problem on electricity in Samal Island has, so far, reportedly reached P120 million.

These include losses in the tourism sector, local businesses, household, public services, infrastructure, agricultures, and fisheries.

The local government said this is due to the poor power service in the island.

“Kung apektado sila, especially ang mga dagkong resorts, maapektuhan ang negosyo, manirado sila so luoy ang mga trabahante. Also tung mga indirectly nga makabenepisyo sa ilaha,” Mayor David Uy said.

The local government is also worried that the problem may worsen when construction of the bridge that connects Davao City to Samal Island is completed as more people are expected to flock to the island city.

“Samot na kung naa na ang tulay times 10 ang iyang problema. Karun medyo manageable pa,” Uy added.

The power problem also reportedly contributed to the rising number of crimes in the island.

“Ang kasagaran nga mahimong crime diri gyud sa mga lagyo nga lugar dili sa sentro. Tung last lang nga nahitabo sa barangay Camudmud, ngit ngit pud to nga lugar didto. Mugawas jud kasagaran sa mga krimen hilabi na kung brown out,” Vice Mayor Lemuel Reyes said.

It can be recalled that the city mayor gave the power utility firm an ultimatum to finish the submarine cable until June 30, 2024.

However, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO) said it cannot meet the deadline. In the meantime, NORDECO provided modular generator sets that would help supply electricity.

The local government is looking into buying its own submarine cable and substation worth around P200 million to P300 million as a solution to the problem.

“Ang sa amoa, ang sa city, siguro tung gisulti nako ganiha, roughly mga… kay diri man ta mag-connect sa atubangan so mga close to P300 million. Maong makig-alayon mi sa NORDECO para maka-menos-menos, i-tap na lang namo ning wala nila magamit nga substation diri sa Barangay San Miguel. And kung makaya sa kwarta, we will be putting another substation sa Kaputian,” Uy said.

Buying a new submarine cable may take six to eight months.

“Kung makasugod ta before the year ends, siguro kani pinakadali siguro, two years (nga mahuman),” Uy added.