Environment impact assessment for the proposed construction of 25 storey building at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Male’

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 construction of a 25-storey building at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’. The proponent of this project is IGMH. The project has put forward by IGMH to expand the healthcare services in the existing hospital. Currently, IGMH with a bed of capacity of approximately 300 does not have the sufficient space and capacity to provide the best service to the growing demand. The project broadly involves the construction of a 25-storey building covering an area of 27,000 square feet. This facility will be complete with enhanced OPD services, diagnostic and laboratory services and with new medical facilities. The development is also expected to increase the bed capacity by 500. Medical tourism will also be introduced with high-end apartments targeted for the high-end market. Apartment units for doctors will also be development under this development. Upon completion, the facility will be able to cater 10,000 patients per day. The new facility will be merged with existing facility from level 1. Duration of project development is approximately 24 months. 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 Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure; dewatering application and approval before commencement of any dewatering activities; connections to sewer systems; water connections; power connections. Responsible institutions include Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment and Energy. Proposed location for the project is the plot located south of existing IGMH. Significant buildings in the vicinity of the project site include Dhiraagu Head Office, Thajuddeen school, existing IGMH and residential buildings. Assessments were conducted to determine baseline traffic count and noise level of project site and a visual survey of the nearby buildings were also conducted for this project. PA marine survey was conducted to determine the general status of the reef and fish species abundance and composition of reef system. There are no marine protected areas within project or impact boundary. Most significant environmental impacts of the construction phase include vibration, noise and air quality impacts. Attention has been paid to consider the impacts on sensitive buildings in thevicinity including Dhiraagu, IGMH and schools. Socioeconomic impacts of construction stage include public nuisance from noise impacts and traffic congestion. The most significant impacts once the facility becomes operational are management of health care waste and wastewater discharge. The project will mainly have socioeconomic benefits from improvements in national health care services, and increased direct and indirect job opportunities. The key mitigation measures include measures to mitigate noise and vibration impacts, stringent measures to manage dust emissions from the operation of batching plant and onsite management of health care wastes and proper measures for occupational health and safety. Alternative options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have significant impacts on the project. These include no project alternative, options for piling methods, alternative locations for batching plant, alternatives for building elevation and project location. Options were considered to relocate the project site away from reef and existing IGMH. The project is anticipated to bring positive socioeconomic impacts, hence no project alternative is not considered. Proposed project location has been preferred due to feasibility and practicality. Jack in Pile method is been preferred over conventional methods as it is the most environmentally sound technique for piling in dense urban environment causing the least noise and vibration impact. Options are considered to relocate batching plant, however there is no other space available for this project. Hence the best option is to move the batching plant to the sand and aggregate storage area within the project site. 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. A waste management has also been included with guidelines and strategies for medical waste minimisation and medical waste treatment and disposal methods.