Social & environmental impact assessment : for the setup of a drinking water supply network in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaal atoll, Maldives

Abstract

• This report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the establishment of a RO desalination plant and water distribution network in Gdh. Thinadhoo. • The aim of this project is to ensure that the island community of Gdh. Thinadhoo has adequate access to pure and safe water for their basic daily needs. • The proponent of this project is MEEW. This project has been contracted to Male’ Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) Pvt. Ltd by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water. Accordingly, MWSC has sub‐contracted Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). • The purpose of this EIA is to identify all significant environmental and social impacts (positive and negative, direct, indirect and cumulative). This is to ensure that any potential negative consequences that may arise from the proposed activities are avoided or minimized and any potential benefits from the project are maximized. • The project aims to setup a 200 tonnes per day water production RO plant and provide water to all the government institutions through a piped network. In addition, two public tap bays will also be setup from where the public will have access to free and safe drinking water. The pipe will be buried underground and the total length of the pipes will be more than 2.7 km. • In order to undertake the study, baseline environmental and social surveys were undertaken in Thinadhoo. A detail groundwater sampling survey was undertaken to assess the baseline quality of groundwater. The results of these are discussed in the relevant sections. Estimation of the groundwater availability has also been undertaken by estimating the aerial extent of the groundwater lens and quantifying using the water quality survey as well as through the use of other data. • A detail marine environmental survey was also undertaken to understand and record the baseline status. The survey was concentrated in the southern lagoon where concentrated brine will be discharged. • The project does not have any major negative environmental issues, but rather have found to have more social impacts. Discharge of concentrated brine has been identified as the most important impact as far as the environment is considered. • The project will have several benefits to the community, including access to safe water. However, the limited number of public tap bays (2) have been raised as a concerning issues as the community has shown their dissatisfaction towards this design. Important government stakeholders such as Atolls Ministry and Planning Ministry have also expressed their concern with regard to the limited public tap bays. In addition, other relevant stakeholders were also consulted and the outcome of these consultations were incorporated in making the final recommendations. • Based on the outcome of the stakeholder consultations, it appears that the proponent, MEEW did not involve them in the planning stages of the project. This has resulted in conflicting views with the relevant stakeholders regarding the project design. Details of these are described under the section “Stakeholder Consultations”. • The regulator of water and sanitation in Maldives, MWSA was unable to comment for the project, as a result, there are few questions unanswered regarding the regulators role in this project. • A detail monitoring plan has been suggested towards the end with details of the costs. It is important to undertake this monitoring in order to abide the EIA regulations. The report also provides recommendation to improve the project.