Initial environmental examination for the development of 11 story building of 90 housing units and associated commercial units at M. Wayside

Abstract

This Initial Environment Examination is an evaluation of the potential environmental, soci-economic and natural impacts for the development of an 11 storey building at M. Wayside. This Initial Environmental Examination is prepared in order to meet the requirements of Clause 5 of the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives to assess the impacts of proposed development at M. Wayside, Male’. The report has looked at the justifications for undertaking the proposed project components. Alternatives to proposed components or activities in terms of location, design and environmental considerations were suggested. A mitigation plan and monitoring programme before, during and after the works has also been proposed. It is inevitable that there would be some negative environmental impacts, especially when excavation and dewatering is carried out. The potential adverse impacts from the overall project includes water contamination, shortage of groundwater, generation of waste, air pollution, noise pollution and disruption to traffic and unavailability of parking space. After a survey and the study undertaken for this IEE, these negative impacts identified are not severe enough to not allow the project. In light of possible impacts assessed, a comprehensive monitoring component has been suggested to monitor environmental (natural and social) impact during the course of this project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the limited nature of the impact. In addition, the socioeconomic impacts that have been assessed have been identified as mostly positive impacts, not just in short term but also in long term. Therefore, from an environmental and technical point of view and in light of the existing socio-economic developments it appears justifiable to carry out the proposed project.