Japan provides $10.5M grant for Malé disaster resilience project
It includes strengthening the city’s seawall and installing rainwater drainage equipment to mitigate risks from flooding and heavy rainfall.
The Government of Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a grant agreement worth approximately USD 10.5 million (MVR 161 million) to improve disaster preparedness in Malé.
The assistance will be used for the construction phase of the Malé Island Disaster Resilience Enhancement Project. It includes strengthening the city’s seawall and installing rainwater drainage equipment to mitigate risks from flooding and heavy rainfall.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Ministry of Finance by Deputy Minister of Finance Hassan Miras on behalf of the Maldives, and JICA Resident Representative Taki Motoo on behalf of Japan. The grant follows the Exchange of Notes signed between the two governments on 26 August.
At the signing, Motoo noted that the project continues Japan’s longstanding support to the Maldives, recalling that dredging projects carried out between 1988 and 2006 had reduced the impact of the December 2004 tsunami. He said the new initiative would strengthen canals, improve drainage systems, and enhance coastal protection.
Deputy Minister Miras said the project represents an important step in addressing the growing risks of water-related disasters. He added that it will enhance security for Malé’s residents while supporting the continuity of the country’s economic and social life.
The ceremony was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
