HULHULE-MALE’ BRIDGE PROJECT

EIA for the proposed Hulhule-Male’ Bridge Project
Court of the Maldives. The above shall be done only after the individual is fairly compensated
for the property or by financial compensation proposed by the property holder. If the public
property to be attained is a land plot or a household, the property holder shall be given adequate
time for clearance of the area. If a private property belonging to one individual creates nuisance
to another, the matter shall be resolved by the Atoll Council for issues arising in the islands.
This project does not require removal of any personal properties. The vegetation in the proposed
areas is all reported as public property. No registrar is maintained on the public trees. The sites
in Hulhumale’ belong to the state and the site at Hulhule Island belongs to Maldives Airports
Company Limited.
3.1.5 Law on Cultural and Historical places and objects of the Maldives - 27/79
The Law on Cultural and Historical Places and Objects of the Maldives 27/79 prohibits
destroying or damaging any historical and cultural places, sites, objects and artefacts belonging
to the sovereign area of the Maldives. The historical and cultural objects are those that were used
by or feature the life of locals or foreign ancestors who had resided in the Maldives. The
historical and cultural places refer to religious monuments, idols or place of worship or
residences used by locals or foreign ancestors who had resided in the Maldives.
The proposed project is expected to relocate two monuments in the area. They are the Tsunami
Monument and Male’ Breakwater Monument. Relocation of these monuments shall take this law
into account.
3.2 Relevant Domestic Regulations and Guidelines
3.2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2012
Environmental Impact Assessment regulations were issued by Environment Ministry on 8 May
2012. The first step in environmental assessment process involves screening of the project to be
classified as one that requires an EIA or not. Based on this decision, the Ministry then decides
the scope of the EIA (ESIA) which is discussed with the proponent and the EIA (ESIA)
consultants in a “scoping meeting”. The consultants then undertake the EIA (ESIA) starting with
baseline studies, impact prediction and finally reporting the findings with impact mitigation and
monitoring programme. This report follows the principles and procedures for EIA (ESIA)
outlined in the EIA regulations.
The EIA (ESIA) report is reviewed by MEE following which an EIA Decision Note is given to
the proponent who will have to implement the Decision Note accordingly. As a condition of
approval, appropriate environmental monitoring may be required and the proponent shall have to
report monitoring data at required intervals to the Ministry. The project proponent is committed
Prepared by: CDE Consulting & China Shipping Environment Technology Page| 42