The Girifushi Training Centre upgrade project has been officially launched by Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed.
The project was initiated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Commander-in-Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force, to strengthen the training capacity and operational capabilities of MNDF. The project includes dredging, land reclamation, coastal protection and harbour upgrades, and has been contracted to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC).
The first phase of the project will add 13.3 hectares of land to the centre, expanding the island from 5.7 hectares. Coastal protection measures will include boulder revetments, breakwaters and groynes to reduce erosion.
Harbour improvements include an L-block quay wall, and two jetties measuring 40 metres and 12 metres. A new 300-metre small arms firing range will replace the current 100-metre range.
Once the first phase of the project is completed, additional enhancements are planned to transform Girifushi into a modern military training centre. According to MNDF, Girifushi will serve as the main centre for the government’s National Service training programme. Infrastructure such as an officer training wing, accommodation facilities for students and instructors and other support facilities will also be developed.