Maldives and JICA Sign Grant Agreement for Disaster Resilience Project in Malé City
Photo: Ministry of Finance and Planning
The Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a grant agreement for the Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Malé City (Construction Phase).
A Grant Agreement amounting to JPY 1.56 billion (approximately USD 10.5 million) for the Construction Phase of the Malé Island Disaster Resilience Enhancement Project was signed today.
The Agreement was signed by Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Mr. Hassan Miras, and… pic.twitter.com/6gXVU6bq6X— Ministry of Finance and Planning (@MoFmv) September 9, 2025advertisement
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The agreement, worth 1.56 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 10.5 million), will fund upgrades to Malé’s seawalls and the installation of advanced stormwater drainage equipment aimed at reducing risks from high waves and heavy rainfall.
The signing follows an Exchange of Notes in July this year between the Maldives and Japan, designed to strengthen disaster preparedness in the capital and safeguard residents, economic activities, and community resilience.
The ceremony was hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, with Deputy Minister Hassan Miras signing on behalf of the Maldives and Taki Motoo, Resident Representative of the JICA Maldives Office, representing JICA. Japan’s Ambassador to the Maldives, Ishigami Rumiko, attended the event alongside senior officials from the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.
Japan’s longstanding support for the Maldives was highlighted, particularly the seawalls built between 1988 and 2006, which protected Malé during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The new project aims to further strengthen these defences with modern drainage systems.
The government of the Maldives has expressed gratitude to Japan and JICA for their continued commitment to enhancing the country’s resilience and supporting sustainable development.
