Land reclamation must benefit the people - SDA

Society for the Development of Addu (SDA) has said that if land is to be reclaimed in Addu then it should be carried in the most beneficial manner to the people of Addu Atoll.

SDA made the statement in a press release issued by the society with regard to an article carried in Haama Daily under the heading Government has invited bids for reclamation of land of the 4 connected islands of Addu atoll. The press release rejected the article which has made references to the Chairperson of SDA Ali Sawad.

The press release stated that if such reclamation is to be made then it should be carried out under a suitable land use plan after necessary environmental impact consultation. Further SDA also stated that prior to such reclamation people of the atoll should be consulted in accordance with prevalent laws and regulations.

SDA claimed that Haama Daily never contacted the association to obtain information regarding any land reclamation work in Addu and that SDA has never provided any information regarding the matter. Further SDA denied that the Association’s Chairperson or any other person of SDA gave any information regarding the matter to Haama Daily.

The press release went on to say that the Chairperson Ali Sawad never gave any comment to Haama Daily on the matter and as such the references were fabrications. The press release called on Haama Daily to provide the people of Addu Atoll with true information as the article may cause divisions and conflict among the people.

The press release also stated that reclamation of the designated area in Addu Atoll Hithadhoo may have adverse effects to the environment and as such under the article 4 of the Environment Protection Act necessary EIA’s should be carried out. Further it called on all concerned agencies to fully respect such legislations.

The press release also noted that after careful consideration to the reports issued by Department of Meteorology following the recent swells and the reports issued by various other foreign agencies who analyze damaging effects of climatic change, the Association has urged the necessary government agencies to conduct the reclamation according to National Adaptation Program of Action.

The National Adaptation Program of Action requires reclamation to carry out to 1.5 meters above sea level and a sea retaining wall to be constructed using tetra pods in order to make the island safe. The press release also noted that SDA had called for a topographic survey to be carried out.