Maldives’ largest TVEC Center abandoned, rebranded as MNDF Base in B. Kihaadhoo
The Ministry of Defence on Thursday announced that the first round of technical training under the National Service Program will be conducted at the newly designated Kihaadhoo military facility. The Technical and Vocational Education Centre (TVEC), which spans more than 23,500 square feet, was originally developed by a private Maldivian company at a cost of USD four million.
The largest vocational training center in the Maldives, which was opened in Kihaadhoo in 2018, has been converted into an MNDF headquarters by the current administration | Social Media | Social Media
The Maldives’ largest vocational training center, established in Kihaadhoo island of Baa atoll during the previous administration of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has officially been converted into a base for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The move follows a prolonged period during which the facility was left neglected and deteriorating due to the absence of a managing authority.
The Ministry of Defence on Thursday announced that the first round of technical training under the National Service Program will be conducted at the newly designated Kihaadhoo military facility. The Technical and Vocational Education Centre (TVEC), which spans more than 23,500 square feet, was originally developed by a private Maldivian company at a cost of USD four million.
The ministry confirmed that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has now formally designated the center as a military training installation.
As part of the transition, 66 youths who completed the National Service Program and applied for advanced training arrived in Kihaadhoo on Thursday to commence their programs at the facility.
In an earlier interview with RaajjeMV, Kihaadhoo Council President Hussain Shafiu explained that the vocational center, which began operations in 2018 under private management, ceased functioning in early 2024 after the operating company faced financial difficulties. He stated that although the Ministry of Higher Education had previously pledged to make arrangements to ensure the center’s continued operation, no progress was made for more than a year.
Growing concerns over the deterioration of the multimillion-dollar facility prompted the Kihaadhoo Council to submit a petition to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, calling for an urgent resolution. Given the center’s importance to the island’s economy, the council had earlier requested that the government hand over management of the building to the council.
At the time, Shafiu underscored the council’s plan to revive the facility in a way that would generate revenue for the council while delivering socio-economic benefits to the island, stressing the center’s significance to local development.
Prior to its closure, the center offered a range of courses and enrolled students from across the country, many of whom graduated from its programs. Shafiu noted that at its peak, the facility employed 40 local residents, all of whom lost their jobs when operations ceased.
Following the current administration’s decision to repurpose the site after a prolonged period of neglect, Shafiu stated that returning the building to use is a positive development. He expressed hope that the facility will now deliver long-term benefits to the Maldivian people.
