HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
6.9 Social Impact Assessment
6.9.1 Socio-economic impacts
6.9.1.1 Land use conflicts and impact on infrastructure
There are critical infrastructure investments in the project location that will be impacted by the
construction of the bridge. The most critical investments in this context are the two submarine
cables of Dhiraagu and Ooredhoo. Disruption to the telecommunication infrastructure in the
project location could cause loss of services for more than two weeks duration and will have
major impacts for economy and society. The project location also has electricity cables;
sewerage pipes; and water pipes, which will require relocation. It is recommended that early
information sharing dialogue and consultations are carried out to minimize the damage on
infrastructure.
6.9.1.2 Increased traffic congestion
The already congested roads of Male’ are likely to get additional vehicles coming from
Hulhumale’. Rush hour delays will be felt at civil service opening hours and closing hours. The
demand for parking in Male’ will increase and as a result there will be increased pressure for
more parking slots in Male’.
6.9.1.3 Increased demand on social services
The schools and health services are relatively well established in Male’ compared to
Hulhumale’. Hence, a significant proportion of the residents in Hulhumale’ depend on the social
services in Male’. With the bridge development it is likely that there will be additional demand
on hospitals and schools in Male’.
6.9.1.4 Loss of recreational area
The project site in Male’ is adjacent to Lonuziyaraiy kolhu and Usfasgandu parks. These two
parks are very popular recreational open spaces in Male’. It is estimated that about 600
footballers, 120 surfers, and over a thousand people use the area for fitness purposes. Several
children access the children’s park, and there are many who hang out with friends, and visit the
area for rest and relaxation. The bridge construction activities will reduce access to the open
spaces and park area. This will have a negative impact on recreation and fitness activities. It will
be important to provide alternative routes and space for walking, jogging, football, cricket and
children’s activities.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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