HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
10 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS
10.1 Introduction
During the EIA preparation for the bridge project, stakeholder consultations were conducted
extensively. Stakeholder consultations were conducted between 15 th June and 5th July 2015. The
list of stakeholders and methodology used in presented in Section 1.7.4. The questionnaires used
in the assessment are presented in Appendix M. Consultation notes are provided in Appendix J.
This chapter summarises the findings from the stakeholder consultations.
10.2 Summary of stakeholder concerns and issues
Overall, the issues raised by all the consulted parties were similar with the exception of the two
network operating companies and utility companies. The telecommunication service providers
and the utility companies had issues of moving their infrastructure in the project area,
particularly cables and pipes, but were quite positive as long as adequate time and consideration
was given to them.
The government regulatory authorities and City Council had no major concerns other than
congestion and social issues that might entail.
Maldives Ports Limited have already started diverting the larger shipping vessels to the most
feasible alternative route as those ships will no longer be able to travel through Gaadhoo Koa
once the construction of the bridge has begun.
Civil Aviation and the Airports Company raised concerns over the effects the bridge would have
on the runway but also provided alternative and mitigating measures.
The Surfers had major concern or fear of changes to the waves and loss of their surf spot, which
is utilized by the largest population of surfers in Maldives.
No specific issues with regard to marine life were raised.
Ministry of Environment and Energy has done a feasibility study on the possibilities of installing
solar panels on the bridge, however decided not to go ahead with the plan, as the maintenance
cost is too high. The official from the ministry recommended taking proper measures to prevent
collision of boats with the pillars of the bridge.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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