| Abstract: | The purpose of this document is to fulfil the requirements to get necessary environmental
clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the proposed
development of Hulhumale’ Plot N3-56 and N-57 under the 3,000 housing unit construction
project. The overall project comprises of three plots (N3-55, N3-56 and N-3-57). An EIA has
already been prepared and approved for N3-55. The original EIA application had all three plots
together but since the concept approval was only available for N3-55 decision was taken in the
scoping meeting to submit N-56 and N-57 later. This EIA is prepared for the remaining two
plots.
The project is designed to achieve the housing development goals of the Government and to
expand the settlement in Hulhumale’ Island. The proponent of this project is Sea Life Global
Inc Private Limited who owns the right to develop the plot.
The main rationales for the project are to cater for the shortage of housing in Male’ Urban
Region and to relieve the congestion in Male’.
The project at N3-56 and N-57 involves constructing three 13-storey buildings or towers. A total
of 506 residential units are planned to for a target population between 800 to 1000 persons at 4
to 6 persons per household. The bottom three floors will be used for commercial purposes while
the rest will be developed for housing. A combination of one bedroom, two bedroom, three
bedroom, four bedroom and penthouse apartment units will be developed in each tower. In
addition to the apartment units, each floor will offer auxiliary space including corridors, stairs,
lifts, lobby and service stores. Commercial zone of each block has 4 retail stores, fire control
room, transformer room, service stores and waste management stores. Parking is provide on the
ground floor behind the commercial zone. All utilities will be provided by existing state-owned
service providers.
The proposed project covers: demolition and site clearance; concreting works; interior,
mechanical, exterior and electrical works; finishing, and; building operations. The project is
estimated to take 30 months to complete.
The proposed designs and plans are also generally in conformance to the laws and regulations of
the Maldives. Additional approvals are required for the following before commencement of
project activities. They are detailed drawings approval from the HDC; dewatering application
and approval before commencement of any dewatering activities; connections to sewer systems;
water connections; power connections and approvals to use the building for housing.
The proposed site is located near the existing flats around the central part of Hulhumale. Plot
N3-56 covers a total area of 6,631.69 sqm (~71,000 sq ft) and plot N3-57 covers a total area of
6,935.64 sqm ( ~ 74,000). There are some trees planted on both plots, which needs to be cleared
for construction. All these trees will have to cut down or trees of significance were identified on
the site. There are existing flats, a school and a mosque within the vicinity of the plot. There are
also construction project within the vicinity including the proposed tertiary hospital in
Hulhumale. The street facing east of the project site has moderate high traffic due to the
presence of flats. The rest of the streets around it have moderately low traffic.
The assessment shows that the proposed developments involve significant positive impacts on
the socio-economic environment. These are associated with the increased supply of housing to
those in need, growth of Hulhumale Island and economic benefits to the proponent. The negative
impacts are moderately small as this is reclaimed land with barely minimal biodiversity. Most
impacts are associated with dewatering, health and safety, noise, vibration and dust. A focus has
been placed on minimising impacts on ground water due to over-extraction, contamination from
accidental spills and leakages.
Operational stage impacts are mainly beneficial impacts as well. Negative impacts are those
associated with the increase population and related pressures on resources and utilities, traffic
congestion and criminal activities, among others.
Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant
impacts on the project. These include the options alternative foundation methods and alternative
dewatering outfall location. The proposed options were preferred over the alternatives.
Consultations were held with all relevant stakeholders including Ministry of Housing, EPA,
Housing Development Cooperation, MWSC, STELCO and members of the public. In general
there was strong support of the project. The regulatory authorities asked to follow the existing
regulations and guidelines the design and construction of buildings particularly in relation to
utilities, waste management and dewatering. EPA also asked to undertake geo-technical
investigations before construction. The public was very positive towards the project but some
raised concerns over corruption and unfair allocation of plots during operation.
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for this project is designed to produce a
framework for anticipated impacts, including practicable and achievable performance
requirements and systems for monitoring, reporting and implementing corrective actions. In
addition, provide evidence of compliance to legislation, policies, guidelines and requirements of
relevant authorities.
Monitoring plan is designed to assess any changes to the physical environment as well as human
environment. The total cost of mitigation and monitoring are estimated between Rf 25,000
annually.
The main conclusion of this report is to proceed with the project but after incorporating the
mitigation measures proposed in this report. Safety during construction must be a priority. |
