Maldives and Japan Sign Agreement for Male’ City Seawall Renovation Project

The Maldives and Japan have formalised an agreement to commence the design phase of the seawall renovation project in Malé City. 

The accord was signed by Ibrahim Thoaam Mohamed, Minister of State for Construction and Infrastructure, and Hiromi Namiki, Chief Consultant from Japan’s consultant team.

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According to the Maldives Ministry of Construction, the agreement centres on developing detailed design plans for the seawall renovation. The ministry has targeted the completion of the design phase by the first quarter of next year.

This initiative builds on a series of earlier agreements between the two nations, including the Exchange of Notes signed in September and a Grant Aid agreement in October. The project is being implemented under Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme, with the Japanese government contributing $140,000 to fund the design phase.

The seawall encircling Malé City symbolises the enduring partnership between the Maldives and Japan. Its construction was fully funded by Japan following the devastating tidal wave of 1987, which caused widespread flooding in the capital. Research for the project was conducted from 1991 to 1992, followed by design and construction from 1993 to 2002, marking one of the most significant infrastructural undertakings in the city.

As the Maldives and Japan commemorate 55 years of diplomatic ties this year, the seawall project serves as a testament to the strong bilateral relations that have developed since the establishment of formal ties in 1967.