HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
cracks are developed in the various parts of the reef flat and the reef slope. Some of these cracks
extend 20-30 m into the slope.” The study found that reef collapse had occurred in at least three
other locations around Male’. It authors notes that they were inclined to believe that “... reef
slope failures that has occurred on the northern part of Male` reef is due to stress induced by the
excessive weight that was put on the island subsurface from various development activities.”
However, this study lacked the means confirm this finding, such as seismic studies and
evaluations at other reef collapse sites, particularly those in untouched reefs.
A more thorough assessment was commissioned though MFR Géologie-Géotechnique SA from
Switzerland. The study also assisted by Dr. André Droxler, who has undertaken number key
geological studies in the Maldives. The study used all existing borehole data and high resolution
bathymetry surveys undertaken for the Male’ area (Naar et al., 2008) to determine the potential
causes and existing risks.
The study found that in addition to the reef collapse of 2002, there was evidence of seven other
undated failures on the eastern reef slope of Male’ (Flury, 2009). The study also found numerous
other points around Male’, particularly the NW corner, which it recommended for further study.
The bathymetric data model showing the locations for the NE corner are presented in Figure
4.15.
The report establishes that there could be a potential future slope failure in the area, but when
such an event could occur cannot be predicted with current information. This findings as also
backed by Riyaz et al, (2008). The key findings from the report are to undertake detailed
geotechnical investigations of the area (including underwater high resolution surveys, seismic
survey), a moratorium on developments on the northeast half of Male’ and caution in
undertaking cement grout for foundations. The also recommend avoiding all piling activities
which may cause vibrations.
The proposed bridge does not fall directly on any of these areas but the proposed activities on
the reef slope are in proximity to the reported site. The assessment of reef condition around the
proposed bridge locations round Male’ and Hulhule also show signs of collapsed areas (see
section 4.5.2) but these area represent typical natural conditions rather than an collapse of the
type that occurred on the NE corner of Male’.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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