HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
for the eventual implementation. In addition, a public opinion survey covering 847
respondents was conducted at the ferry terminal and within Male’. In general, there was
an overwhelming positive response towards the project. The concerns of the
Government agencies were similar focusing on bridge design parameters (such as
bridge width, elevation, appearance and location), functionality (eg. how it fits within
the broader master plan and traffic flow requirements), jurisdictional issues, and
impacts on Male’ traffic. Some serious specific concerns were raised by some economic
entities such as the communications service providers who will incur a significant cost
to relocate their main manhole connecting the submarine fibre optic cables which
support most of the communications of Male’. The manhole is located right below the
bridge landing area and any shifting will involve significant disruption to
communications in Maldives, specifically because the two service providers have their
cables landing a the proposed bridge site. Concerns also exist with Maldives Ports
Authority regarding closure of Gaadhoo Koa, but they have already been preparing for
the change. Civil Aviation raised concerns about the bridge elevation, equipment
elevation during construction, lighting during construction and operation and the
significant time restrictions imposed when working closer to the airport. Among civic
society the surfers have serious concerns regarding the potential unuseability of the
surfing area, Raalhugandu, due to closure during construction and due to potential
changes in wave conditions following pier construction. Public using the Adi Park area
were concerned that the most heavily used areas are currently planned to be used as a
work site in Male ‘during construction. They recommended changing the orientation to
avoid the main areas of use. This change has been recommended in the alternatives
section
− A number of mitigation measures are proposed for the most significant impacts from
the project. These include reuse of dreg removed from the drilling activities for
backfilling in Thilafushi, proper management of sewage, relocating trees within the
project foot print, limiting working hours around bring landing site in Male’, planned
rerouting of traffic, proper management and disposal of drilling fluids, installing anticollision
measures for marine traffic, measure to prevent marine and ground water
pollution, measures to prevent sedimentation during dredging and reclamation, and
measures to minimise impacts on social activities within the project foot print.
− Alternatives options were evaluated for the activities that are identified to have
significant impacts on or from the project. These include the choice of bridge location,
bridge design scheme, foundation designs, dredging options and work site locations.
Among these, given the high impact on recreational activities in Adi park area, an
alternative site is recommended but within Adi Park area.
− The monitoring plan has been designed with a focus to analyse the significant impacts
over time. Cost of monitoring is estimated at US$10,000 per year.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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