Environmental impact assessment : proposed mixed residential building development at Hulhumale’, plot no. D1-1

Abstract

This report is based on the proposed 12 storey social mixed residential luxury building construction in Hulhumale’, in Plot No. D1 -1. The project is being developed by Sandal Mauritius Pvt. Ltd. A contractor has not been chosen yet. Upon completion of construction, the building will be handed over to the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, to be leased out to tenants as part of the social housing program. An Environmental Impact Assessment was necessary for the works due to the fact that the structure exceeds 10 storeys as specified in the EIA regulation ‘Jadhuvalu R’ in the list of type of projects for which EIAs are required. In addition to meeting the regulatory requirements, the report would further assist the proponent and important stakeholders to make decisions based on favourable environmental conditions with the main focus on sustainability. The project also adheres to several other rules and regulations in the Maldives and has obtained permit from HDC to proceed. HDC is a 100% government entity being given the responsibility to set guidelines and oversee all developments in Hulhumale’. The project is in addition to the larger program by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and HDC to enable housing opportunities for people living in the Greater Male’ area. Apartments in this particular building is to be targeted towards social housing scheme. The project will contribute to the grand plan of reducing congestion in Male’ by providing morehousing opportunities in Hulhumale’. The existing environment at the project site does not consist of any significant vegetation and the water test result shows normal water quality. There are no residents living in close proximity to the site and there is no other structure at the site as well. However the structure faces the Central Park, albeit the undeveloped section of the park. There are also upcoming projects adjacent to the proposed development. During the construction stage, health and safety standards of the workers at site, and waste generation is the major areas of concern. With proper planning and project management, this can be easily mitigated. Waste is the main concern during the operational stage of the project as well. Since this will be developed as a condominium with multiple tenants owning the rights of the building, it has to be ensured that the tenants are held responsible to properly manage the waste in addition to maintaining the building. Regarding alternatives, there are no viable alternatives available for the project with respect to location. The no project option is also not plausible at this stage and possibilities are outside the scope of this study. Other alternatives including material, foundation type, construction methodology are not necessarily recommended. Recommendations had been made to proceed with the project as planned. An environmental monitoring plan is proposed to be carried out with 2 phases; one for the construction stage, and one for 2 years post construction. Factors to investigate include surveying the amount of waste generation, noise pollution, traffic flow, health and safety at site and water quality. All the impacts as highlighted in the project can be mitigated. The socio-economic benefits to Greater Male’ City from projects such as these is high. It also provides additional housing opportunities, which would contribute to alleviating the housing issues in Male’ City, and therefore mitigating the issues related to congestion. Thus, after consideration of all these perspectives, it is recommended that this project proceed as planned, after incorporating the mitigation measures given in this study with the commitment to implementing the monitoring plan given.