Renovations of the Male' seawall to begin next month with structural enhancements
The government aims to complete the renovation of Male' City's aging and damaged coastal breakwater by July next year, a project designed to provide a permanent solution to the city's recurring tidal flooding. Under this initiative, the breakwater in the Raalhugandu area will be heightened and redesigned, and a new monitoring system for the capital's pump stations will be established to enhance flood management.
Architectural rendering of the Raalhugandu area as it will appear following the completion of the Malé seawall rehabilitation project. | Construction Ministry | Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure
The Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure has announced that physical work on the reconstruction of the Male' city seawall is set to commence this coming May.
The Ministry stated that the project, conducted with the assistance of the Japanese government, has been awarded to Toyo Construction, a Japanese firm.
The government has announced that physical work on the project is scheduled to commence in May, with full completion expected by July of next year.
Commenting on the project, a Ministry official stated that the Male' seawall has sustained significant damage over the years due to its age and frequent tidal surges. According to the Ministry, the existing seawall was developed in four phases between 1988 and 2002.
Studies conducted by the Ministry reveal that the breakwater’s large armor stones and tetrapods have shifted from their original positions over time. The Ministry also noted that various sections of the concrete wall have sustained damage, including the formation of cracks. As tidal surges become more frequent due to climate change, the government considers the repair of this breakwater an essential and urgent priority.
Key components of this project include re-profiling and improving the alignment of the seawall from the Raalhugandu area to Citron Restaurant. Additionally, the seawall near the King Salman Mosque is set to be raised by 70 centimeters from its current height.
Furthermore, the project will establish a centralized system to manage and monitor 16 pump stations across Male'. Additionally, the project will involve repairing and re-profiling the breakwater located in the area in front of the Bank of Maldives.
The government believes that once this project is completed, it will provide a permanent solution to the tidal flooding issues affecting the Raalhugandu, North Harbor, Rasfannu, and Tsunami Monument areas.
