The Maldives and Japan have signed an agreement for the detailed design phase of the seawall renovation project in Malé City. The agreement was formalised by the Minister of State for Construction and Infrastructure, Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed, and Hiromi Namiki, the Chief Consultant representing Japan’s consultant team.
According to the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure, this phase will focus on creating a comprehensive design for the renovation of Malé City’s seawall, with plans to complete the design by the first quarter of next year.
This agreement follows a series of collaborative steps between the two nations, including the Exchange of Notes in September and the Grant Aid agreement signed in October. The project, part of Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, is being funded through a donation of USD 140,000 from the Japanese government.
The seawalls of Malé City stand as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Maldives and Japan. Constructed after the devastating tidal wave of 1987, which caused widespread flooding in the capital, the original seawall was entirely funded by the Japanese government to safeguard Malé from future natural disasters.
Research for the seawall was conducted between 1991 and 1992, followed by its design and construction between 1993 and 2002. The initiative remains one of the largest infrastructure projects undertaken in the city.
The agreement coincides with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Japan, established in 1967. This milestone underscores the longstanding cooperation between the two nations, particularly in areas of economic development and disaster resilience.
