Environmental impact assessment for development of 80 housing units at Goidhoo, Baa Atoll, Maldives

Abstract

This Environment Impact Assessment is an evaluation of the potential environmental, socieconomic and natural impacts for the development of 80 housing units at Goidhoo, Baa Atoll. This EIA 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 B. Goidhoo. The primary objective of the project is part of the Government commitment to provide affordable housing to all the people of the Maldives. The total area of the development is approximately 184,800 square feets (17,168 sqm) and the size of a housing plot is 1707 square feets. Each housing unit would consist of 3‐4 bedrooms, a sitting room, dining room, 2 toilets, laundry and a small backyard and a well to provide water for domestic use. This report as considered the impacts the project could have on the environment. It is found that a major impact would be due to the waste produced during construction. However, the impact would only be for the project duration and mitigation measures for this and other impacts are also provided. Another high impact is anticipated on the social environment. If the progress of any delays could be shared with the public, this impact could be minimized. Improvement in the local economy of the island and improved livelihood are seen as positive benefits of the project.