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 a 10-storey building H.Tedral Aage, Male’. The proponent of this project is
Ahmed Nazim.
The development is a family venture to develop residential apartment units members of the
family and for lease. The project involves development of a 10-storey building in H.Tedral Aage
located in Lonuziyaarai Magu. A total of 18 apartment units attached bathrooms will be
developed in this building. A combination of two bedroom and three bedroom apartment units
will be developed. It is anticipated that a maximum of 90 people will occupy in these apartment
units. In addition a basement with a shop and parking space in the ground floor will also be
developed. Total development footprint is 148.644 m2 and the elevation of the building will be
30.48 m.
The proposed project covers: mobilisation, excavation and dewatering, foundation and concrete
works, mechanical and electrical works, exterior and electrical work. The project is estimated to
take 12 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 include; 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 project will be implemented on Lonuziyaarai Magu, a one-way street. There is one
construction site next to the proposed site. The proposed land area is a vacant with a few cement
bags, plastic bottles and pipes. These will need to cleared prior to commencing the construction
work. The existing environment was assessed as part of this EIA. As such, groundwater
condition in the project site, noise measurements, air quality assessment around the project site
and a traffic study was conducted. In addition a visual observation of the nearby buildings was
carried out.
Noise assessment showed that the noise level around the area beyond the recommended levels
by OECD limits for residential areas and as per traffic study most number of vehicles are
observed during the daytime.
The negative impacts from this project are typical impacts associated with building in Male’.
The most significant impact from this project during construction stage would be those
associated with dewatering and potential damage to neighbouring buildings during excavation.
The contractor has decided to pay compensations for any damage to the nearby buildings during
the construction stage. Groundwater quality and soil condition may also be impacted through
accidental leakage and spillage of oil and chemicals. Traffic is also expected to be significantly
disrupted in the area during concreting works, as the one way road Lonuziyaaarai Magu will
need to be closed for approximately 2 days during foundation laying period. In addition, given
there is a school and a hospital in close proximity of the project site, closure of the road will
further exacerbate the traffic flow around the area. During concreting works it is anticipated that
noise and air quality around the area will be negatively impacted. Given there is another
construction site next to the proposed site, the cumulative impacts from this project will also be
felt. Since the area is a residential area, with sensitive buildings such as hospital, school and food
go down, this impact is considered significant. The construction activities will also be an eyesore
for the nearby residents. There will also be additional burden on waste management and utilities.
The project mainly has positive socio-economic benefits, including increased direct and indirect
job opportunities for local businesses. During operational stage, one of the key impacts is the
health and safety of the occupants of the building and demand on utility providers for power,
water, sewerage and waste management. In addition, it is expected that demand for parking
space and impact on traffic flow will be negatively impacted during the operational stage of the
building.
The key mitigation measures for the construction stage include use of proper shoring methods,
dewatering only when required, minimising traffic disruption by limiting working hours to
evenings and weekends, and consulting with Maldives Traffic Police regarding traffic flow and
road closure. To mitigate the impacts to air quality, it is recommended to keep the construction
area damp at all times and to minimise the impact of noise to nearby residential houses,
businesses it is recommended to fence the site with solid panels. Monitor all occupational areas
to ensure noise levels do not exceed WHO standards. In addition, nearby properties must be
notified by the proponent and an issues registry must be maintained. To avoid impacts on health
and safety during operational stage, the building must be designed for fire and safety with
sprinklers, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors installed. All the occupants must be trained
atleast once a year.
Alternative options were evaluated with “No Project” alternative and for the activities that are
identified to have significant impacts on the project. These include options for foundation
foundation methods. The currently proposed options are preferred.
Consultations were held with Health Protection Agency, STELCO and WAMCO nearby
residents and businesses for this EIA. HPA stressed to maintain the health and safety of the
workers and the nearby residents. STELCO and MWSC recommended to allocate adequate
space and follow the standards for easy provision and delivery of their services. WAMCO
advised to segregate the waste during operation stage and to allocate a specific area in the
building for waste collection.
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 3,000 –
5,000 annually.
The main conclusion of this report is to proceed with the project but after incorporating the
mitigation measures proposed in this report. Safety of the adjacent buildings and occupational
health and safety must be a priority. Care must also be taken to minimise the impacts on the
nearby residents and businesses work must be completed in the shortest time frame possible. |