Environmental impact assessment for the road development project (phase I) in Kulhudhuffushi Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socio-economic and natural impacts of the proposal for the proposed road development project phase I in Kulhudhuffuhsi Island, Haa Dhaalu Atoll. Introduction and Key Features of the Project Project Background Kulhudhuffushi is the third largest settlement in the Maldives. Its population in steadily increasing and it is establishing as hub for the northern region of Maldives. It population density is high and road usage has also increased unprecedentedly. The main road, Ameenee Magu houses all the major schools of the island and key administrative and social infrastructure. However, the condition of the road is generally poor and requires extensive maintenance to keep it usable. The conditions on the road are worse during the rainy season, when puddles and low level flooding make it difficult to use the road. Hence, Kulhudhuffushi is badly in need for a proper road construction project. The proposed development of Ameenee Magu is the first phase of this development. Project Objectives The main objective of this project is to improve the road conditions in Kulhudhuffushi. Project Scope and work methodology The proposed project involves profiling the road, production and placement of interlocking blocks and production and placement of drainage systems. The overall length of the proposed road is 1.6 km but may change based on needs.