A large-scale land reclamation and harbor upgrading project at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) training centre in Girifushi was officially launched on Saturday evening.
The project was inaugurated by Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed at a ceremony held at the Girifushi Training Centre.
According to MNDF, the development is among key initiatives under President and Commander-in-Chief Mohamed Muizzu aimed at strengthening training infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of the armed forces.
The first phase of the project will expand the island’s land area by 13.3 hectares, increasing it from the existing 5.7 hectares. The reclaimed land is expected to significantly increase space available for training activities.
The works include coastal protection measures such as boulder revetments, installation of an outer wall and groynes to reduce erosion, and the construction of an L-block quay wall for vessel mooring.
Two jetties, measuring 40 metres and 12 metres respectively, will also be developed to improve maritime access and navigation.
In addition, a 300-metre small arms firing range will be constructed to replace the existing 100-metre range, expanding training capacity at the facility.
MNDF said that once reclamation, erosion protection and harbor development works are completed, Girifushi will be further developed into a modern training centre with expanded facilities in subsequent phases.
Senior officials present at the ceremony included Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Giyas, Commander of the MNDF College of Defence and Security Studies Brigadier General Dr Hussain Ibrahim, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and National Security, MNDF general officers, Sergeant Major of MNDF Nasrullah Waseem, and officials from Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), including Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Jamsheed and Ahmed Mubeen.
