Japanese company to Upgrade Malé Drainage Network Under Disaster Resilience Project

A Japanese company has been contracted to enhance the stormwater drainage system in Malé as part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening disaster resilience in the capital.

The agreement for The Project for Disaster Resilience Enhancement in Malé Island Construction Phase Package 02 was signed today between the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure and Tech International Cooperation. The project is being implemented under the Japanese Government’s Economic and Social Development Programme.

State Minister Hassan Rashid signed the agreement on behalf of the ministry, while Director Makoto Yakoshi represented Tech International Cooperation at the signing ceremony.

According to the ministry, the project will focus on modernizing the city’s existing drainage infrastructure through automation and improved monitoring. The scope of work includes installing equipment required to automate 16 existing pump stations across Malé and establishing a centralized monitoring station to oversee the operations of these facilities.

In addition, the project will provide a jetting vehicle to support routine maintenance of the drainage network, enabling authorities to respond more efficiently to blockages and operational challenges.

Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the capital’s stormwater management system, which plays a critical role in reducing flooding risks during heavy rainfall and extreme weather events.

The project is valued at 247 million Japanese Yen and is scheduled to be completed within 487 days. Authorities noted that the upgrade represents a key step in strengthening urban resilience and safeguarding infrastructure in one of the country’s most densely populated areas.