Environment impact assessment for the proposed luxury villa development project in Dhapparu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll

Abstract

This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is an evaluation of the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed resort development project in Dhapparu Island, Haa Alifu Atoll. The proponent of this project is Noomadi Resorts and Residences Anstalt. The project contractor has not been finalised yet. The EIA consultant is CDE Consulting and engineering consultant is Gedor Architecture. As a variation to the tourism development programme of Maldives and a desire to provide direct benefits of tourism development to the public, President Nasheed’s Government initiated a plan to develop Luxury Villas in inhabited and uninhabited islands. The focus was both to raise finance for public housing projects while increasing tourism related bed capacity and diversity of the tourism product. These properties were meant purely for long-term lease as plot of land (not the whole island), which the proponent could use to construct a luxury villa and lease/sell to prospective clients. Under this programme, on 9 August 2010, based on a Cabinet Decision, the Government of Maldives awarded Dhapparu Island (part of Filladhoo Island, Haa Alifu Atoll, and a declared uninhabited island) to Noomadi Resorts Residence to construct 50 luxury villas (20,000 sq ft for every 10 housing units developed). In addition, 100,000 sq ft of land is allocated for the development of support services, since this is an uninhabited island. The proposal included the construction of 500 housing units in Kelaa, Baarah, Hoarafushi and Ihavandhoo. Dhapparu Island was classified as an uninhabited island by the Cabinet on 3 August 2010. This project is completely different from a typical tourism development project in that the land leased for development is not the entire island but allocated plots. The proponent has been given land to build villas as well as additional land for support facilities and infrastructure. The objective is to sell or lease this property to potential customers as a residential unit, and thus, a different product from that of resort tourism. The plots will be developed and sold to potential clients. The clients will utilize the services on the island, including utilities, restaurants and other facilities based on a user-pays system. The aim of this project is to develop and operate luxury villas in Ha. Dhapparu Island as part of the agreement to construct 500 housing units in inhabited islands. The specific objectives are: (1) develop the necessary infrastructure for the functioning of a stand-alone residential island; (2) operation of a luxury villa residential island; and (3) diversify the tourism product offered in the North Maldives and increase the bed capacity