Environmental impact assessment for the proposed water supply and sewerage system in Hulhumalé Phase II, Malé City, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study under the proposed water supply and sewerage system project in the newly reclaimed Phase II of Hulhumalé. The project is proposed by Malé Water and Sewerage Company Ltd. The project entails establishment of a comprehensive water and sewerage system in Hulhumalé Second Phase. The proposed system is similar to the existing system in phase 1 and includes the provision of water and sewerage services to all of the proposed neighbourhoods and commercial areas including the proposed Tourism District, Yacht Marina and Knowledge Park. The project takes place in the newly reclaimed phase 2 of Hulhumalé on the north of existing phase 1. Hulhumalé is part of the nation’s capital Malé, developed as a separate island but soon to be connected by the largest bridge in the Maldives. The existing size of the island is approximately 320 hectares including the reclaimed area of Phase 2. Hulhumalé is the most planned development in the Greater Malé Region so far. The proposed water supply system incorporates desalination facility with a total capacity of 10,000 m3 per day to be installed in different phases of the project. All requested facilities will be provided with metered connections. HDPE pipes will be laid on the roads as shown. In addition, a number of alternatives to the proposed project components have been identified in this document. Some of these alternatives consider alternative means of wastewater disposal including ground disposal, alternative means of water supply and alternative outfall locations. The most preferable alternative to the proposed desalination only water scheme is integration of a rainwater harvesting component. Though this alternative has few advantages over the proposed, at this stage in development of Hulhumale’ Phase II, it would be impractical to implement it. It has also been recommended to use solar desalination technologies since the initial demand would be low and production capacity minimal. Environmental impacts were assessed for both the construction and operational phase of the project. Most of the environmental impacts identified for the construction phase of the project were minor negative; these include excavation and its impact on the landscape of reclaimed land and sedimentation from installing the outfalls. However, the impacts identified for the operational phase of the project were mostly moderate to major positive; averting possible contamination and salinization of ground water and reduction of related health hazards. Disposal of sewage via a sea outfall is considered as minor negative impact while the alternative of disposing to ground has numerous major negative impacts. The provision of safe and adequate supply of potable water enhances living environment and provides economic opportunities such as tourism establishments including guest houses and city hotels. The main mitigation measures for this project during the construction phase are similar to other water and sewerage projects such as dust control plans, working during low- tide as much as possible and rigorous supervision. The design shall also ensure that dewatering is minimized. As for the operational phase trained maintenance staff to service the water and sewerage system and regular check-ups has been suggested in addition to monitoring water quality as well as reef health for potential impacts. In conclusion, it appears justified from a technical, administrative, socio-economic, health and an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed water and sewerage system development project. It is recommended to proceed the project as proposed.