| 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 7,000 social housing units in Hulhumale’ Phase II. The proponent of the project
is China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited (CSCEC).
The project is designed to achieve the housing development goals of the Government and under
the effort to develop Hulhumale’ into a youth village. The project forms part of an umbrella
effort to establish 15,000 social housing units in Hulhumale’ Phase II. These housing units will
be specifically targeted for families. This project will be among the first developments in
Hulhumale’ Phase II. This project is also the first high rise residential building of more than 14-
storeys in the Maldives.
The project involves constructing 16 buildings over 7 plots. Each building will have 25-storeys
and the total area allocated for the project is 35,604 sqm. Out of the 16 buildings, 10 buildings
will have 16 apartments on every floor and the remaining 6 buildings will have 20 apartments on
every floor. A total of 7,000 residential units will be developed. Each building will consist of
two bedroom apartments units, parking space and waste collection point in the ground floor. The
target population is estimated between 21,000 to 28,000 persons at 3 to 4 persons per apartment.
The target population for these flats is low to low-middle income Maldivians. Each apartment
will have an area of approximately 50.53 sqm and it consists of two bedrooms, living room and
kitchen, two toilets and balcony. Parking space is design to accommodate two motorbikes per
apartment. The building will be complete with outdoor fire hydrant systems, two escape stairs,
fire elevators and fire alarm systems. All utilities during operation will be provided by state
owned services.
The proposed project covers: mobilisation, construction of worker’s accommodation blocks,
excavation and dewatering, foundation and concrete works, mechanical and electrical works,
exterior and electrical works.. The project is estimated to take 24 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 and
approval from civil aviation authority.
The project will be implemented on the newly reclaimed area in Hulhumale’ Phase II located on
the south eastern rim of North Male’ Atoll which has been developed as an extension of
Hulhumale’ Phase I. The proposed housing development site is located towards the north eastern
side in Phase II. Seven plots has been allocated for this project with a total area of 35,604 sq.m.
The existing environment was assessed for the purpose of this EIA. Baseline assessments
include groundwater and marine water quality assessments, soil profiling, noise measurements
and marine assessment. The groundwater quality of the site was found to be good except with
elevated levels of turbidity. Marine assessment showed mainly dead corals and white sand in the
area.
During construction stage, the project is expected to incur minimal impacts on the environment,
as the area is a vacant land. Minor impacts are anticipated on groundwater and soil condition,
marine water quality due to oil spillages and through disposal of residual water after dewatering.
Impact on air quality and greenhouse gas emissions is anticipated to be moderate as a significant
number of generators will be used. During operational stage, 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 and reduce the level of congestion in
Male’. This will also benefit the economically disadvantaged by providing easy access to
affordable and improved housing units. The project will involve the settlement of a large number
of populations, which will exert pressure on existing utility service centres, schools and
hospitals. It is anticipated that the demand for parking space and traffic flow in Hulhumale’ will
also increase following this development. Risk of fire and criminal activities are also anticipated
negative impacts associated with this project
Mitigation measures are recommended for potential significant impacts during operational and
construction stage. It is recommended to design and develop the building with adequate
measures for fire prevention and to ease evacuation during a fire. It is also recommended to
establish a community police nearby the building to maintain peace in the area and develop a
master transportation plan to cater the demand for parking space in the future.
Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant
impacts on the project. These include the ‘No Project’ alternative, alternative dewatering outfall
locations, alternative location, alternative use of the building and alternative location for
concrete batching plant. Alternatives for height of the buildings were also assessed in the report.
It has been recommended to follow the proposed plan for the development. However, location of
batching plant will have to be changed as per requirements by HDC.
Consultations were held with all relevant stakeholders including, EPA, Housing Development
Cooperation, MWSC, STELCO, Civil Aviation Authority, Waste Management Corporation,
National Disaster Management Centre, MNDF Fire and Rescue Service, Transport Authority,
Maldives Police Service and Ministry of Environment and Energy. The regulatory authorities
asked to follow the existing regulations and guidelines in the design and construction of
buildings. Attempts to consult Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure have been unsuccessful.
The ministry was unable to confirm a meeting before the submission of the EIA report. In
addition, a general public survey was also conducted for this EIA to seek the views of the public
towards the project. In general 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 USD 10,000
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. |
