JICA funds aid in seawall repairs

Japan International Corporation (JICA) has given Maldives USD 10.5 million (MVR 161.9 million) in financial aid for the Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Male' Island.

JICA has said that the financial aid for the project was given under the Exchange of Notes signed on 26th July.

The signing ceremony was held at the Finance Ministry, with Finance Ministry Deputy Minister Hassan Miras and JICA Maldives Office Resident Representative Motoo Taki signing and representing both sides.

The Infrastructure Ministry has already met with a Japanese consultant last December and signed them on for the designing phase of the project.

The financial aid is to cover the strengthening of Male's outer canal/sea wall, provide rainwater drainage equipment and decrease the dangers of flooding from excess rainfall.

After the signing, Motoo highlighted some of the aid Japan has already given to Maldives. Among them, the construction of sea walls between 1998 and 2006 had decreased the damage incurred in Male' due to the 2004 tsunami.

He also said that this project will strengthen shore protection efforts along with the aforementioned.

As per Miras, the project is an important step in reducing the damages caused by water-borne disasters.

He also said that the project will provide vital security to the residents of Male', ensure their safety and the sustainability of the country's economy and social life.

Japanese Ambassador to Maldives Ishigami Rumiko and high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Finance and Infrastructure attended the signing ceremony.