HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
add to burden on the visitors in terms of time and travel routes and other added difficulties
associated with departures.
Although guesthouse tourism in Hulhumale beach front is unplanned development, Tourism is
planned development – those planned resorts around the airport developed as higher star rating
at present might observe a decline in star rating, depending on the type of activity and movement
around the airport.
In the change of channel to Bodu Kalhi for transport, it should be considered that the frequent
used Banana reef dive site falls in to the area. Hence it should be ensured that
Safari vessels with masts and shipping liners might not be able to pass through the present
channel Gaadhoo Koa channel and hence would need to be informed.
Concerns/Issues:
Concerns with regard to visitors arriving in Male’ at present include, lack of shelter at arrival
point, toilet and support facilities for international visitors to add to convenience for the visitors.
For the transfers from resorts in the south of Male’ that might face hiccups in the present route
during construction and post contraction phase to not have to travel longer routes, especially
during bad weather.
There are several resort transfer vessels parked around the south west side of Male’ (towards the
swimming track). Anchoring, birth, refueling sues. There may be a need to consider some form
of diversion or easier access to the point.
Victory Dive point is an important dive site for wreck dives and used for trainings as well. It is
important to be able to get access to the dive site and to ensure that the wreck doesn’t get
damaged during the construction of the bridge.
The land next to Dharubaaruge is leased for tourism development. An advance payment of $7
million had been made by the leaseholder. The leased land covers part of the road area in front
of the park as well. It has to be ensured that the road extension or bridge and road use does not
cross over to the boundary of the leased land for tourism development. Changing lease for such
an investment would involve major financial compensations or reallocation of land from
possibly by exchanging with uninhabited islands.
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology
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