The Government of the Maldives and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have signed a grant agreement worth 1.56 billion Japanese Yen (approximately USD 10.5 million) to strengthen Malé’s coastal protection and disaster preparedness.

The agreement, signed on 9 September at a ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, highlights the launch of the construction phase of the Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Malé. The funding will support the reinforcement of Malé’s seawalls and the introduction of stormwater drainage systems to mitigate risks from waves and heavy rainfall. The signing follows the Exchange of Notes between the Governments of Japan and the Maldives on 26 July 2025.

Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Hassan Miras, signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldivian Government, while JICA Maldives Resident Representative, Taki Motoo, signed on behalf of JICA. The event was also attended by the Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, H.E. Ishigami Rumiko, along with senior officials from the Ministries of Finance, Foreign Affairs, and Construction, Housing and Infrastructure.

In his remarks, Taki recalled Japan’s historic contributions to Malé’s seawalls between 1988 and 2006, which proved instrumental in protecting the capital during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. He said the new initiative would build on that legacy by upgrading coastal defences and improving stormwater drainage to strengthen community resilience.

Deputy Minister Miras described the project as a critical measure against water-related disasters, noting that the improvements would safeguard the daily lives of Malé’s residents and help ensure the stability of economic and social activity in the capital.