MP highlights issues with how EIAs are conducted

The true purpose of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) is foiled as those paying for it are the ones that are conducting the projects, states MP for Ungoofaaru constituency, Mohamed Waheed.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s “Fala Surukhee” programme on Wednesday night, the MP highlighted that EIAs are conducted under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of the Maldives.

As such, whilst these reports are compiled to assess the possible risks and damages certain development projects and schemes have for the environment, the biggest purpose of the EIA is to ensure the schemes are carried out in a way that ensures least impact on the environment.

However, the parliamentarian highlighted that the reliability and trust people have in EIA reports, have significantly weakened, as some project managers do not follow through EIA report findings and recommendations.

Further, the member stated that there is a set procedure to follow in EIA reports and that they instruct work to be carried out in a certain manner. However, Waheed stressed that there is no arrangement to monitor whether said instructions and procedures are being followed or not.

Moreover, he noted the consultants are also paid by project managers. This in turn, hinders with the true purpose of EIA.

Waheed added there are a handful of individuals who proceed with projects after disregarding the best practices, for “political gain”.

Shedding light on some of the negative impacts on the environment caused by ongoing development projects, MP Waheed stated that the issue of soil erosion due to harbour development projects, has been snowballing.

Waheed, who is also a member of the Parliament’s Committee on Environment and Climate Change, highlighted that work is currently underway at the Majlis committee to amend the framework in a way that calls for swift attendance to certain cases.

Following recommendations from this committee, the parliament declared a climate emergency on Wednesday.