Work has officially begun on dredging, land reclamation, coastal defence, and harbour improvement projects at K. Girifushi, the military training island used by the Maldives National Defence Force.

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The project was inaugurated on Saturday evening by Defence Minister Hassan Rasheed during a ceremony held at the Girifushi Training Centre.

This development is part of a wider effort to improve the capability and preparedness of the Maldivian armed forces. It is also considered one of the major projects being carried out to expand MNDF training infrastructure and strengthen the skills of military personnel.

During the first phase of the project, 13.3 hectares of new land will be reclaimed, adding to the island’s current land area of 5.7 hectares. According to the MNDF, this expansion will provide much-needed space for a broader range of training activities on Girifushi.

The project will also include several practical development works. These include the construction of rock revetments to safeguard the island’s shoreline, as well as the creation of outer canals and groynes to help reduce coastal erosion.

To improve maritime access, an L-block quay wall will be constructed to berth vessels. Two jetties, measuring 40 metres and 12 metres, will also be developed to make access to the island easier and improve navigation around the harbour area. A new 300-metre small-arms firing range will also be built, replacing the existing 100-metre range currently used for training.

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The MNDF stated that after the dredging, coastal protection, and harbour upgrade works are completed, the next stages of development will focus on establishing a modern and fully equipped training centre on the island.

Once complete, Girifushi is expected to serve as the headquarters of the Maldivian National Service Training Centre. The centre is aimed at developing young people into disciplined, responsible, and capable citizens.

The upgraded facility will also support key training programmes conducted by the Officer Training Wing and the NCO Academy. In addition, the island will include accommodation facilities for trainees and instructors, along with a super-harbour system to support the centre’s operations.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Deputy Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, and Commander of the MNDF College of Defence and Security Studies Brigadier General Dr. Hussain Ibrahim.