Environmental and social management plan : upgrading island waste management centre at Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo

Abstract

This is a sub-project undertaken under, Climate Change Adaptation Project (CCAP), a World Bank managed, European Union and Australian Aid funded project implemented by Ministry of Environment and Energy on behalf of the Government of Maldives. This project will provide the basic infrastructure for management of waste at Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo, Addu atoll, and ensure composting is undertaken at the island. Appropriate training will be provided to island level staff for this purpose. The main targets of the project include the following; ensure that target island has resolved its waste management issues, establish rules and regulations for waste management, reduce the waste produced and to use reusable materials, aggregate all waste that is produced and dispose-off properly, raise awareness of the community regarding the economic benefits of keeping the island clean and establish a mechanism to ensure that waste is managed appropriately through a proper collection system. The main components of the project include the following; establishment of waste collection system, upgrading of Island Waste Management Centre (IWMC), providing machinery for waste management and transportation of waste to Regional Waste Management Facility (RWMF). The construction phase of the project is expected to be completed within 06 months. This project is proposed to be undertaken immediate north of the existing dump site, at the location of the abandoned IWMC built by Red Cross after Tsunami. The existing IWMC is proposed to be expanded to cater for the current population of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo. Impacts were assessed using rapid impact assessment matrix method and it was identified that the only foreseeable negative impacts of the project are related to vegetation clearance. Impacts related to construction can be easily mitigated by following good practices and the impacts of operational phase are primarily positive. Environmental and Social Management Plan for Upgrading of IWMC at Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo The environmental monitoring program proposed for this project, ensures that the mitigation measures are implemented and records are maintained in terms of social and environmental impacts of the project. The proposed grievance redress mechanism ensures that any public concerns as a result of the project are attended and addressed promptly. Overall, it is hoped that this will be a positive project that is beneficial to the community of Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo.