The Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a grant agreement to strengthen disaster resilience in Malé through seawall upgrades and improved stormwater drainage systems.
The agreement, worth 1.56 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 10.5 million), was formalised on Tuesday at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Hassan Miras signed on behalf of the Maldives, while JICA Maldives Office Resident Representative Taki Motoo signed for JICA. Japan’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, attended the event along with senior officials from the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.
The signing follows the Exchange of Notes between the two governments on 26 July this year, which outlined cooperation to strengthen disaster preparedness in the capital. The project is expected to protect residents, safeguard economic activity, and support community resilience in the face of growing climate-driven challenges.
Taki noted Japan’s long-standing support to the Maldives, recalling that the seawalls constructed with Japanese assistance between 1988 and 2006 played a decisive role in shielding Malé during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. He said the new project would build on that legacy by introducing advanced drainage systems to cope with high waves and heavy rainfall.
Deputy Minister Miras stressed that the initiative is essential to address the mounting risks of flooding and water-related hazards in the capital, which is home to a large share of the population and economic life of the country. He added that the project would help safeguard both public safety and economic stability.
The Maldivian government expressed gratitude to Japan and JICA for their continued commitment to resilience-building and sustainable development in the country.
