Environmental impact assessment for development of indoor sports complex, Hulhumale', Kaafu atoll

Abstract

The purpose of this EIA is to critically analyse and assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed development of a sports complex at Hulhumale and expose the solutions and preferred alternatives as well as mitigation measures to minimize any negative impacts whilst trying to derive the maximum positive impacts from the project; Hulhumale is an island reclaimed in 2002 for the purpose of relieving the population congestion in Male’. During the first phase a total area of 188 Ha were reclaimed. And in 2004 the first population started living in Hulhumale’. Since then the population of the island had been growing rapidly, now with a population size greater than 65,000. In early 2015 an additional 244 Ha were reclaimed under phase II of the project with the intention of accommodating two thirds of Maldives population in Hulhumale’ with a targeted population size of 240,000. Therefore, it is understood that in order to increase the social well-being of such a huge population, proper social ventures which would cater for the youths are important on this island. A full baseline of groundwater quality was established at the proposed development area as it is anticipated to impact negatively on the groundwater quality. In addition to this, noise level and traffic flow of the area were surveyed. Additionally, this study also involved identification of alternative options in place of the proposed development. The considered options were no project scenario and moving project location, both of which are economically less feasible. Dewatering is the most significant negative impact which would arise due to the project as it is proposed to build a community swimming pool. Additionally, during the operational phase, it is anticipated that poor maintenance of the pool will cause the impacts of highest significance. The socioeconomic benefits during the operations far outweigh the negative impacts. It is expected that the proposed development will provide recreation facilities to the youth, indirectly minimising the social problems faced by the youngsters today. Moreover, the proposed project will also open many job opportunities, especially to the unskilled workers.