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Monument symbolising Maldives-Japan friendship, reinstalled

Malika Shahid
20 December 2022, MVT 18:02
State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takei Shunsuke, Minister of National Planning and Infrastructure, Mohamed Aslam and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid inaugurating the Tetrapod Monument -- Photo: Planning Ministry
Malika Shahid
20 December 2022, MVT 18:02

The monument symbolising the diplomatic relationship between Maldives and Japan has been re-installed and opened today.

To mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of political relations between the two countries, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Takei Shunsuke, Minister of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, Mohamed Aslam and Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid inaugurated the Tetrapod Monument; more popularly known as "Bajiyaa Gaa" among the locals, in the Usfasgandu area located in the southeast side of Malé.

Tetrapods were installed along the shoreline of Malé 35-years ago, with the help of the Japanese government to prevent coastal erosion after a series of waves had hit the city causing serious structural damage.

To symbolise the relationship between the two countries, the Tsunami Monument was built on the site during former president Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom's administration, which had to be later removed when the area was vacated for the Sinamalé bridge project.

Inspection of the area after the inauguration of the Tetrapod Monument -- Photo: Planning Ministry.

Last October, the Planning Ministry agreed with Japan to conduct surveys to upgrade the seawall around the city.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will conduct surveys to upgrade the seawall and drainage systems in the capital Malé.

The ministry said the seawall is one of the largest structural development projects in Maldives. It is the city's great fortress against the forces of nature surrounding it.

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