Physical restoration of the seawall encircling Malé is scheduled to commence this May, a critical undertaking to fortify the capital against escalating maritime threats, according to the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.
The initiative addresses the severe degradation of a barrier originally constructed in phases between 1988 and 2002. To rectify the decay, the government formalised a contract in February with Toyo Construction Company Limited, a Japanese firm recognised for its expertise in disaster resilience.
Ahmed Aiman Shareef, a project engineer at the ministry, noted that a survey revealed displaced boulders and structural failures caused by relentless wave action. “The seawall is essential for safeguarding our shores against tsunamis, tidal swells, and comparable maritime events,” Shareef said, adding that climate change has increased the frequency of such incidents. “The immediate restoration of this barrier is of paramount importance,” he added.
The project, spanning from Raalhugandu to the North Harbour, Rasfannu, and the Tsunami Monument, includes re-profiling the barrier and elevating the section near the King Salman Mosque by 70 centimetres. Repairs will also target the seawall in front of the Bank of Maldives and the Citron restaurant area.
Beyond physical reinforcements, the installation of diagnostic equipment will establish a centralised monitoring system for 16 pump stations, an update Shareef said would transform the capital’s skyline. Historically, tidal surges during monsoon transitions have jeopardised property and commerce along the eastern coastline. Ministry officials expressed confidence that these interventions will finally mitigate these vulnerabilities, with completion projected by July of next year.