Environmental impact assessment for the road development at Feydhoo, Addu City

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA report covers road development project at Raidhebai Magu at Feydhoo, Addu City. The proposed road development cover the road between harbour area to main road at the centre of the island. The total length of the road to be developed is 240 m. Feydhoo at Addu City is one of the islands in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate connectivity between the constructed main roads at the island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The proposed road developed at Feydhoo is not expected to have significant visible impacts on the island of Feydhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly in improving the flooding situation at the island. Constructing the cross road between the main road and the link road would help to flow the storm water which is collected on the main road at the centre of the island. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the people of Feydhoo. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Hanimadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of construction waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project. The project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.