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Item Post-tsunami infrastructure rehabilitation project : rehabilitation of 6 selected harbors : social and environmental impact assessment for the rehabilitation of the harbor in Makunudhoo island, Haa Dhaal atoll(2007-11) SOGREAH Consultants; Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and SOGREAH consultants of France upon request from Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure. The project involves the rehabilitation of the existing harbour in Makunudhoo, Haa Dhaal Atoll with improved infrastructures. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives with funding from Agence Française de Dévelopement” (AFD) as part of the Tsunami rehabilitation programme. The harbour of Makunudhoo has been damaged to various extents and requires repair and upgrading, including deepening the harbour basin, and increasing slightly the size. A detail assessment of the environmental and social conditions was assessed based on which a rehabilitation project has been proposed. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed rehabilitation project. Major environmental impacts of the project have been identified as resulting mainly from dredging and disposal of dredged materials. Dredging will be undertaken in the harbour basin and to some extent in the access channel. In view of the assessment, the environmental damages to marine resources have not been considered major due to the limited boundary of the project and also due to confined nature of the project. The impacts are likely to be felt on an estimated 5% of the lagoon and reef‐flat of that extensive reef system. These environmental impacts were assessed for both construction and operation phase of the project. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and other measures. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups, including the community and the client in order to incorporate the socio‐ economic components in the project. The proposed rehabilitation plans for Makunudhoo has been prepared after considering the needs and requirements from the community by assessing and incorporating the outcomes from the extensive community consultations held during the data collection stage. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when dredging is undertaken. However, these minor negative impacts out weight the socioeconomic benefits gained by rehabilitating the harbour. As a result, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. The most important consideration is the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed mainly as positive in nature. Not only they are positive, but most importantly in the long term. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical and from an environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed rehabilitation project if the island is to absorb the economic gains achieved by the project.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed construction of housing units at Hanimaadhoo(Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, 2008-05) Water SolutionsItem Environmental impact assessment for the proposed Blue’s 300 apartments at Hulhumalé(2014-08) Water SolutionsEIA report has been prepared to assess the environmental and social impacts of constructing 300 housing units at Hulhumalé of Kaafu Atoll. This project will be implemented by Noomadi Resort & Residences Anstalt for Maldives Police Services. The land areas identified for the housing project has no major tree and hence there will be no tree clearing as part of the project. The project is part of the Government commitment to provide affordable housing to people of the Maldives. The project aims to build 300 housing units which can accommodate 300 families of Maldives Police Service. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors to be identified by Noomadi Resort & Residences Anstalt. This is mainly to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication need to be established to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work with the Hulhumalé community. The most significant impacts of the project will be resulting from the construction waste that would be generated as part of the project. As a mitigation measures, construction waste would be managed in accordance with the waste management guidelines issued by Environmental Protection Agency. The construction waste generated at the island would be collected and temporarily stored at designated area. The collected waste then will be transported to Thilafushi for final disposal. This report will highlight major findings and predicted impacts of the proposed housing project. The report is developed in consultation with project proponent and in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhered to and would allow to assess the changes due to the implementation of the project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the master plan. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed SIFCO apartments at Hulhumalé(2014-11) Water SolutionsThis EIA report has been prepared to assess the environmental and social impacts of constructing 300 housing units at Hulhumalé of Kaafu Atoll. This project will be implemented by NOOMADI Resorts and Residences Anstalt for Maldives National Defence Force. This report highlighted major findings and predicted impacts of the proposed housing project. The report is developed in consultation with project proponent and in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation 2012 and Environmental Protection Agency. The land areas identified for the housing project has no major tree and hence there will be no tree clearing as part of the project. The project is part of the Government commitment to provide affordable housing to people of the Maldives. The project aims to build 300 housing units which can accommodate 300 families of Maldives National Defence Force. Under this project have two bed rooms and three bed rooms would be developed. The project would be implemented at Lot No: 11490, 11491 and 11492. The total plot area for the developed is 4,922.22 m2. The total area that would be allocated for the residential use would be 44,989.32 m2 and commercial use would be 3,819.43 m2. All activities of the project will be closely monitored by site supervisors to be identified by Noomadi Resorts and Residences Anstalt. This is mainly to avoid any environment and social issues. A close relationship and open communication need to be established to avoid any future disagreements and social issues during execution of the project work with the Hulhumalé community. The most significant impacts of the project will be resulting from the construction waste that would be generated as part of the project. As a mitigation measures, construction waste need be managed in accordance with the waste management guidelines issued by Environmental Protection Agency. The construction waste generated at the island would be collected and temporarily stored at designated area. The collected waste then will be transported to Thilafushi for final disposal by the contractor. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to be adhered and would allow to assess the changes due to the implementation of the project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the Hulhumale development master plan. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment for the reclamation and expansion at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Hulhulhé, Kaafu Atoll(2014-07) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study (EIA) undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Airports Company Limited. This EIA report covers for reclamation and Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) expansion project. The reclamation component is to reclaim additional 86 hectares of land at Hulhulhe and undertake coastal protection. The eight hundred and sixty five thousand cubic meters of the fill materials for the reclamation would be borrowed using Trailing Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) from borrow sites to be identified by dredging contractor. Reclaimed land would be projected with 9,483 m of coastal protection using various materials. The INIA expansion component includes development of second runway east of existing runway, development of a new terminal building on western side of the island and creation of a new fuel farm. The Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is located on the Hulhulé Island which is formed on a large reef in the south eastern side of North Malé Atoll. The Hulhulé Island was reclaimed and constructed in year 1964 for creation of airport and now services the majority of visitors to Maldives. Hulhulé Island is located at about 6km North-East of Male’. Hulhumalé and Farukolhufushi islands are also located in the same reef system. The expansion and modernization Project will increase both the number and efficiency of the aircraft gates, and increase and reallocate the terminal building to achieve higher effective capacity. The project aims at optimizing the airport landside and airside areas and thereby limiting the environmental impact. The sustainable designing approach is to have an efficient runways & taxiway system design along with modern architecture for the International Airport. Environmental impacts of the project were assessed. The reclamation of the shallow lagoon around Hulhulhe would have an impact on the marine environment of the island however, it is not seen that this would be an irreversible impact on the island environment. The impacts of the project result mainly from reclamation work result from sedimentation and changing morphology of the island. During dredging and reclamation activity, impact of sedimentation on inhabited islands, nearby resort and diving sites are a concern that needs to be addressed. The reclamation and coastal protection of reclaimed land would facilitate to undertake the expansion project at INIA. This project would have socio-economic benefits to the Maldives. The socio-economic benefit outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Hulhulhe especially allowing more land to further expand and develop the island as a modern international airport. Mitigation measures for the anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the physical development plan that had been developed for INIA. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the different components of the project. Further studies need to be carried out to weigh whether the present project design is feasible in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including key elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the reclamation of additional land at Hulhulhe lagoon. The project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts to the natural environment of the island. However such impacts do not prevent undertaking the project in accordance with the existing plan developed for the INIA. Detail studies need to be undertaken to have a clear understanding of the present condition of the environment and landuse patterns that could facilitate developing a master plan that would help to develop the airport expansion to meet and cater for the future demand.Item Environmental impact assessment for the proposed redevelopment of Helengeli Island Resort, North Male’ Atoll, Maldives(2014-09) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the proposed redevelopment of Helengeli Island Resort in North Male‟ Atoll. The redevelopment of Helengeli resort is expected to increase the number of rooms, facilities and improve the standard of service. The island is situated at geographic coordinates 73°33'44.66"E,4°38'0.53"N, on the north-east rim of north Male‟ Atoll on its own reef. This reef system comprises of Helengeli island only. The reef is oriented in north-east to south-westerly direction. On either side of the reef are two channels both on the north and south. On the east, the reef is exposed to swells, winds and waves from the Indian Ocean creating harsh conditions on the eastern side of the island. The reef on the south of the island is a very large reef with an approximate length of 2.7 miles or 4.38 kilometers. There is a very small coral islet formed on the north edge of this reef which is uninhabited. Helengeli island is very narrow in general and some areas, especially towards the centre, is very narrow. Despite this, there are considerable amount of large mature trees in the island. The coastal vegetation in most areas comprise of Magoo and Kuredhi trees. The reef flat on the southern side measures approximately 150 meters from the shoreline to the reef slope at its widest point and 97 meters on the north side at its widest point. The island takes up more than 60 percent of the reef area which leaves very limited space for over water developments. In addition to this, most part of the north-east, east and south-east areas of the lagoon cannot be utilized for any over water development due to strong waves. These areas are exposed without any protection from a reef nor any island from the east, which makes it very challenging for over water developments. Helengeli Island Resort at present has 50 rooms in operation and with the upgrading works, the number of rooms will increase to 98. This includes 30 new lagoon villas (semi water villas) both on the north and the southern side. The remainder will be beach villas developed on the island itself. The island has not undergone upgrading works in the past 15 years and this redevelopment is expected to bring considerable change and upgrading to the built environment, environmental infrastructure and service quality. The proposed redevelopment consists of the following new space / buildings: New reception / tea house. 68 Beach villas 30 lagoon villas (semi water villas) Beach grill Spa treatment rooms Dive school / water sports Restaurant extension Main kitchen extension Senior staff accommodation Junior staff accommodation Sewage treatment plant Recycle house Water tank Fuel tanks The redevelopment aims to demolish some structures and build new structures in the same foot print; refurbish some structures and construct completely new structures. As the island does not have a lot of space, the existing building space will be utilised and the project therefore does not anticipate vegetation clearance or removing trees. A tree count undertaken in August indicates 291 mature coconut trees in the island, none of which is expected to be removed. However, small scale vegetation clearing is expected mainly through cutting overgrown branches and bushes to make construction easier. The redevelopment does not include any coastal protection and beach nourishment at this stage. There are certain areas around the island where beach has been managed using a combination of coastal protection structures. There is also a dredged harbour or a mooring basin with quay walls and landing areas which will be adequate for the construction period even to load and offload heavy machinery. Therefore these infrastructures will be used during the construction period, eliminating the need to dredge a harbour or channels for mobilization. Environmental impacts of the proposed redevelopment works have been examined through a number of processes. The report has identified that the impacts of the redevelopment process will mainly be felt on the terrestrial environment. There will also be impacts on the marine and coastal environment impacts are expected to be positive. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by the construction activities on the lagoon during this period, most importantly during the construction of lagoon villas close to the beach. Impacts on the coastal environment will be felt as a result of developing lagoon villas on the eroded areas of the beach, which is expected to improve the conditions in these areas over the long term. Fortunately, the lagoon where the new lagoon villas will be developed does not contain much live corals and hence, direct damage to live corals is not expected during this activity. On the overall, the redevelopment process will have the greatest impacts during the construction period. Terrestrial impacts are not going to besignificant, as there will be very little or no vegetation clearance to make way for new structures. The resort‟s redevelopment plan have been designed and developed to upgrade the existing guest room that is by demolishing old rooms and building new rooms in the same foot print. This is the same for back of house buildings also. It is anticipated that environmental Impacts will be felt with the increasing demand for water and energy production. With the additional facilities and services offered, there will be a higher demand for energy. Production of increased amounts of water will require more energy and thus there will be an overall increase in the emission of greenhouse gases. Nevertheless, the bulk of the impacts is expected during the construction period. Several mitigation measures have been identified including working in low tide hours, proper supervision and adjusting buildings to avoid cutting any mature trees. In addition, limiting construction to the minimum time period possible and a management and monitoring plan has also been identified as mitigation measures. These measures are proposed in order to mitigate the impacts on the coral reef and generally the marine environment. Finally, the report provides a conclusion nad outlines the alternatives, the mitigation measures and the environmental monitoring that will be undertaken in Helengeli Island Resort Resort.Item Environmental impact assessment for the construction of the harbour in Magoodhoo, Faafu Atoll, Maldives(2014-07) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour development project in F. Magoodhoo. F. Magoodhoo is located on the southern rim of Faafu atoll and has a population of 781. Majority of the island community depend on fishing as their main economic activity. Until now, the island has no modern harbour facility and is one of the most crucial issues faced by the island community. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives as part of its national programme to provide safe harbour to each and every inhabited island of Maldives. Presently, lack of a harbour is an obstacle for the economic expansion and diversification of the island. Lack of a harbour in Magoodhoo has many developmental obstacles for the island. At present the only way to access the island is by means of a damaged jetty on the north side of the island. For mooring the vessels, fisherman and other vessel owners use deep lagoons within the island reef system. In rough weather, getting in out of the island is almost impossible. Some of the vessels have to go to a nearby harbour for mooring in unfavourable weathers. This is the dilemma the islanders have faced until now. The construction of the harbour includes the following: Construction of a quay wall on inner side and both ends of the harbour using Tshaped concrete blocks. Deepening the harbour basin to 3 meters at mean sea level. Dredging of the harbour basin which is 506 feet long and 214 feet wide. Construction of 689 feet long breakwater with rock boulders. Reclamation of the area between the harbour and shoreline by using dredged material from the harbour basin. Dredging of an access channel to a depth of 3 meters at Mean Sea Level (MSL). The dredging work for the project is expected to generate around 33,239 m3 of dredged material. The dredged material will be used for reclamation purpose. A 22 m long revetment would be constructed on east side of both ends of the harbour to protect the reclaimed area from erosion. This project will be followed by a reclamation project proposed by the island council (scope of which is not covered in this EIA). The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the north side of the island with an entrance channel and breakwaters to protect the harbour basin. Since, the harbour is proposed to be constructed on the lagoon, the area between the harbour and island shoreline will be reclaimed using the dredged material from harbour basin. The harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. A detail environmental assessment was undertaken for this project and the findings are reported in this EIA. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed project. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the island marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef will be directly and indirectly impacted for this project. As the same time, the socio-economic impacts of this project will be significantly felt on a very large scale and not necessarily for the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in the most least damaging manner. As a large area of the marine and coastal environment will be affected, careful implementation of the mitigation measures and adopting methods which minimizes the damage will be the key for this project. Most of these measures are the best practice guidelines and protocols that does not require sting financially to implement. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups including island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community representatives were the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced due to lack of a harbour. The development of the harbour in Magoodhoo will have significant environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The project takes place in an environment that has not been modified or damaged previously. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the southern area of the island. The biggest threat to the islands when a harbour is developed is the disruption it causes to natural movement of the beach. Social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Magoodhoo is expected to bring many beneficiaries to island community. Although the project involves inevitable negative impacts, the project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from this project. Therefore, it is justifiable to undertake the project.Item Addendum 1 to environmental impact assessment for the proposed resort development at Maadhoo Finolhu, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives(2014-08) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental study undertaken as an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Assessment carried out for the resort development at Maadhoofinolhu, Kaafu Atoll. This environmental study has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. for the changes that had been brought to the scope of the resort development project at Maadhoofinolhu which has been approved by 12 August 2014 by Ministry of Tourism. This Addendum to the EIA shall only be used for the purpose of issuing the Environmental Permit under the EIA Regulation 2012 and Environment Law 4/93. This project is proposed by DPC Private Limited. The island is proposed to be developed as a 100 villa resort island. Main changes that had been brought to the scope of the resort development project are; creating a sand bank C with an area of 3,400 sqm to develop , relocation of the guest arrival facilities to north western side of the island allowing development of additional beach villas on western side of the island , relocation of the entrance channel to north western side of the island, shifting the water villas on northern side of the island, relocation of the spa complex on sand bank B and developing an overwater resturant between the main island and sand bank B. The materials from dredging of the entrance channel would be used for the reclamation of the island. The materials for the creation of the sand bank C would be obtained by dredging shallow lagoon on north eastern side of the island near the proposed water villas on this side of the island. The dredged area would be used as a swimming area by the guests at the water villas. This EIA Addendum report has identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the marine environment of the island. Impacts on the marine environment will be felt through sedimentation and siltation caused by reclamation activity in the lagoon and the associated indirect impacts on the coral reef, during this period. Baseline data has been collected and reported in the EIA report. Impact on the marine environment will be identified through the monitoring. This will be reported in follow up monitoring reports. The most significant impact will be felt on the lagoon bottom and adjacent coral reef. Alternatives to the project have also been considered. An alternative would be to create additional land at sand bank B that would be created on north eastern side of the island. But this option would bring the real estate value as creating a separate sand bank to develop the presidential suite. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, especially sedimentation control methods. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The main negative environmental impact of the proposed project would be sedimentation, which may cause death of corals. The coral reef being the main tourism asset needs to be protected. In fact, there is a great economic imperative to protect reefs. Hence, the mitigation measures have been selected with that in mind. For this reason, the proponent finds it easier to accept the proposed mitigation measures and have made commitment to undertake the mitigation measures as proposed in the EIA report. Towards, the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which mainly covers the marine environment. These include coral cover and marine water quality among other parameters. As the impacts are felt on the marine environment, it is important to undertake this monitoring. The proposed project conforms to environmental and tourism legislation and thrives to achieve its objectives in an environmentally acceptable manner. Therefore, it appears justified from a technical, social, economic and environmental point of view, to carry out the proposed development project according to the proposed methodologies including proposed mitigation measures and environmental monitoring programme.Item Environmental impact assessment L. Gan – L. Fonnadhoo, link road development project(2014-11) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This EIA report covers Link Road development project at Laamu Atoll from L. Gan to L. Fonnadhoo. This project would undertake 14.9 km road development through Gan, Maandhoo and Fonnadhoo at Laamu Atoll. Development of the link road at the stretch of islands in Laamu Atoll is one of the islands in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The road developed and associated work of the project would have significant visible impacts on the islands of Gan, Fonnadhoo and Maandhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly removal of large number of trees to create the new road, levelling of the roads that is planned for development as part of the project. As part of the levelling work, the surface layer of the road would be scraped out. The sand that is removed from the levelling work would be used as backfilling materials of the roads that needs additional sand as backfill. Additional material would be borrowed from borrow sites for backfilling work. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socioeconomic benefits to the south central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the stretch of islands in Laamu Atoll. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of green and construction waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for islands. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the islands. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.Item Environmental impact assessment L. Fonnadhoo road project(2014-12) Water SolutionsThis report discusses the findings of an environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation (MRDC). This EIA report \ Road development project at Laamu Fonnadhoo. This project would undertake a total 5.3 km road development at 10 roads at L. Fonnadhoo. Development of the roads at Laamu Fonnadho is one of the projects in a group of islands that the Government has selected to undertake the road development project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed as part of this study. The road developed and associated work of the project would have significant visible impacts on the island of Fonnadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly during the levelling of the roads that is planned for development as part of the project. As part of the levelling work, the surface layer of the road would be scraped out. The sand that is removed from the levelling work would be used as backfilling materials of the roads that needs additional sand as backfill. Additional material would be borrowed from borrow sites for backfilling work. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the south central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefits outweigh the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of Fonnadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including measures for minimizing negative effects of the management of construction waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for island. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as not to undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.