President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has visited the Girifushi land reclamation site to observe the progress of the ongoing work. He toured the site while visiting Girifushi to attend the oath-taking and arms presentation ceremony for graduates of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s 72nd and 73rd Basic Training Course.
A key component of the President's strategic vision to modernise the military and expand training infrastructure, the project encompasses land reclamation, coastal protection and harbour upgrading works, and is aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of MNDF.
The first phase of the project will add 13.3 hectares of land to the island, 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.