Minister Muthalib responds in Huvadhoo dialect to Sodiq’s question in Addu dialect

In an unusual exchange during Monday’s parliamentary sitting, Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muththalib responded to a question in the Huvadhoo dialect after North Hithadhoo MP Abdulla Sodiq (Sobe) posed his question in the Addu dialect.

MP Sodiq, who was sworn-in last month, has regularly used Addu dialect during parliamentary proceedings. Previously, when he addressed Health Minister Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim in the same dialect, the Minister did not respond, stating that he was unable to fully understand the question. In a later sitting, the Health Minister also requested assistance in interpreting Sodiq’s remarks.

During Monday’s session, MP Sodiq raised concerns regarding the water supply situation in Addu City, where residents depend on Fenaka’s water plants. He highlighted ongoing problems with the facilities that have resulted in inconsistent access to safe drinking water and asked when a permanent solution would be introduced. He also questioned the status of the delayed housing unit project in Hithadhoo and sought clarification on when construction would resume and when the project would be completed.

Minister Muththalib began his response by jokingly asking whether he should answer in the Huvadhoo dialect, given that the MP had chosen to speak in the Addu dialect. He then continued his response in the Huvadhoo dialect.

The Minister stated that the water infrastructure projects being discussed were initiated during the period when Sodiq himself served as a State Minister at the relevant ministry. He suggested that the MP should therefore accept some responsibility for the current circumstances.

"The road work was carried out while the Honorable Member was serving as a State Minister. At that time, Fenaka had advised that pipe installations were unnecessary. Based on this recommendation, the Ministry completed the work without the pipes. As such, should the Member not bear some responsibility for how this matter was handled,” translating from his dialect,” the Minister said.

The Minister concluded by assuring Parliament that the government is treating the issue as a priority and is working to address the water supply challenges faced by residents of Addu City as quickly as possible.