Environmental impact assessment for the jetty development project at Raiymandhoo in Meemu Atoll : first addendum

Abstract

This report addresses environmental concerns of the proposed changes to the Jetty Construction Project at M. Raiymandhoo Island. The findings of the environmental impact study was undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed jetty development project. The EIA of the project was submitted in June 2015 and approved by EPA. It is advised that the reader should refer to the report for further details. Currently island of Raiymandhoo is among the few inhabited island of Maldives without a modern harbour. Island communities use a jetty on the west side of the island to access the island. The existing jetty is now wholly damaged and not safe for daily uses. The lagoon area on this side has shallow areas. Therefore large vessels cannot access to jetty. To ease this problem government of Maldives has proposed to construct a jetty on west side of Raiymandhoo and to dredge a channel to access the jetty. The initial proposal was to construct 36m long and 4m width jetty. However, to improve accessibility and to meet the requirements of island community, the concept was changed. Under the new concept, a jetty of 31.15m long and 4m width walkway will be constructed. As well as an area of 40m x 40m will be dredged adjacent to the jetty to use as a basin. In addition, a new entrance channel of 24m width and 325m length will be dredged to access the jetty basin. Environmental impacts of the projects were assessed during the EIA process. The significant impacts will be felt mainly during dredging. Impact of sedimentation is anticipated to be felt on nearby reef areas. Sedimentation will reduce visibility in the project area and may cause smothering of corals and seagrass. Details of the impacts and their characterizations are outlines in the report. Mitigation measures for the anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail. These mitigation measures needs to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established after considering the needs and requirements of the community. An environmental monitoring plan has been developed including important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered to and will allow the assessment of changes due to jetty construction project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts cannot be justified to not undertake the project as the social impacts of the project far outweigh the benefits. The project is therefore justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.