Environmental impact assessment for the proposed SIFCO apartments at Hulhumalé

Abstract

This EIA report has been prepared to assess the environmental and social impacts of constructing 300 housing units at Hulhumalé of Kaafu Atoll. This project will be implemented by NOOMADI Resorts and Residences Anstalt for Maldives National Defence Force. This report highlighted major findings and predicted impacts of the proposed housing project. The report is developed in consultation with project proponent and in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and Environmental Protection Agency. The land areas identified for the housing project has no major tree and hence there will be no tree clearing as part of the project. The project is part of the Government commitment to provide affordable housing to people of the Maldives. The project aims to build 300 housing units which can accommodate 300 families of Maldives National Defence Force. Under this project have two bed rooms and three bed rooms would be developed. The project would be implemented at Lot No: 11490, 11491 and 11492. The total plot area for the developed is 4,922.22 m2. The total area that would be allocated for the residential use would be 44,989.32 m2 and commercial use would be 3,819.43 m2. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors to be identified by Noomadi Resorts and Residences Anstalt. This is mainly to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication need to be established to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work with the Hulhumalé community. The most significant impacts of the project will be resulting from the construction waste that would be generated as part of the project. As a mitigation measures, construction waste need be managed in accordance with the waste management guidelines issued by Environmental Protection Agency. The construction waste generated at the island would be collected and temporarily stored at designated area. The collected waste then will be transported to Thilafushi for final disposal by the contractor. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to be adhered and would allow to assess the changes due to the implementation of the project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the Hulhumale development master plan. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.