Japan Provides $10.5 Million Grant for Repair of Malé Seawall

The Government of Japan has committed USD 10.5 million to the repair and maintenance of the seawall protecting Malé, the capital of the Maldives.

An Exchange of Notes formalizing this grant was signed yesterday between the Maldivian government and the Japanese government. Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdulla Khaleel signed on behalf of the Maldives, while Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Akiko, visiting as Special Envoy of the Japanese Prime Minister, signed on behalf of Japan.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Dr. Khaleel emphasized that the Malé seawall is not only a critical protective structure but also a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations. He recalled how the seawall played a vital role in protecting Malé during the devastating 2004 tsunami.

The seawall project was initially developed with Japanese grant aid following the 1987 tidal wave disaster. Its design and construction took place between 1993 and 2002.