Minister responds in Huvadhoo dialect to MP's question in Addu dialect

Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththalib responded in the Huvadhoo dialect on Monday after Hithadhoo North MP Abdulla Sodiq asked his parliamentary question in the Addu dialect.

Muththalib appeared before the People's Majlis to answer questions from members during Monday's sitting.

Since being elected to Parliament, Sodiq has consistently addressed the chamber in the Addu dialect. On previous occasions, some cabinet ministers have indicated that they found it difficult to fully understand his questions. Sodiq has previously said he is still learning the standard Malé dialect.

During Monday's sitting, Sodiq questioned the minister about disruptions to the water supply linked to issues at Fenaka Corporation's water plant and the suspension of a government housing project in Hithadhoo. He asked when construction would resume and when the housing units would be handed over.

Before replying, Muththalib, who is from Gdh. Fiyoari, said he would answer in the Huvadhoo dialect.

"Since you spoke in the Addu dialect, should I respond in the Huvadhoo dialect? I will proceed in the Huvadhoo dialect," the minister said.

Responding to the question on the water system, Muththalib said the current administration had contracted Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) to carry out work to improve the water infrastructure.

He also said the current issues with water pipelines stemmed from the manner in which road construction projects were carried out during the previous administration, when Sodiq served as a State Minister.

Speaking in the Huvadhoo dialect, Muththalib said the member also bore responsibility for how the situation had developed.

The minister did not answer Sodiq's question regarding the timeline for the housing project during that exchange.