Environmental and social impact assessment : for the proposed construction of housing units in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This EIA report is prepared for the construction of 63 houses in Thulusdhoo island in Kaafu Atoll. To expedite the EIA process for this project, the EIA was undertaken in two parts. EIA report 1 focused on land clearing for 100 houses. EIA 2 or the full EIA will include all aspects of the project including land clearing for 100 houses and construction of 63 houses. A decision note for report 1 has already been issued by the Environment Ministry. This is EIA report 2 or the full EIA and covers all aspects of the project from land clearing to construction of houses. The land areas identified for constructing the housing units have been cleared and existing trees of the area have been compensated. As such a decision has been taken by ERC of MEEW for conducting the site clearance work for the construction of the proposed 63 houses. The project aims to relocate, more than 300 people from Dhaalu atoll Rinbudhoo. The total number of houses required for the relocation is 63. Although the TOR has been developed to cover 100 houses, under this project only 63 houses will be constructed. The remaining 37 house plots have been reserved for future use. However, the total area for 100 houses has been cleared through approval obtained from EIA report 1. The most significant negative impacts of the project will be due to clearing of trees from the areas proposed for constructing of housing units. To compensate the tree losses, the proponent has already made plans to re‐plant more trees in the island. It is also planned that trees will be retained in plots where possible, and/or planted within the new plots once and after construction works of houses are completed. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors of Housing Infrastructure Redevelopment Unit (HIRU) of National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and Project Managers on behalf of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD) to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication will be established with the community to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work. The approval has already been given from the relevant government agencies for mining sand required for this project.