The Maldives government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a grant agreement to support the Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in the capital Male’.
The agreement, amounting to around USD 10.5 million will strengthen Malé’s seawalls and provide stormwater drainage equipment to mitigate risks from waves and heavy rainfall, the Ministry of Finance and Planning said.
This grant agreement follows the Exchange of Notes signed on 26 July between the governments of Japan and the Maldives. The project aims to safeguard daily life, economic activity, and community resilience by reinforcing disaster preparedness in the capital.
The grant agreement was signed by the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Hassan Miras, on behalf of the Maldives government and the Resident Representative of JICA Maldives Office, Mr. Taki Motoo, on behalf of JICA, during a ceremony in Male’ on Tuesday.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Taki Motoo highlighted that the project is a continuation of Japan’s long-standing support to the Maldives, recalling the seawall construction projects undertaken between 1988 and 2006, which protected Malé from the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
The Resident Representative further emphasised that the new initiative will build on this legacy by upgrading seawalls and introducing specialised stormwater drainage systems to strengthen coastal protection.
Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Minister Miras in his remarks, highlighted the project as a critical step in addressing the growing threat of water-related disasters.
The Deputy Minister noted that the improvements will provide vital protection for Malé’s residents, ensuring both their safety and the continued stability of the nation’s economic and social life.
The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.