Allexer Namundjembo
The Hardap Regional Council failed to include the Build Together Fund and Housing Fund in its financial statements for the 2022/2023 financial year, according to a report tabled in Parliament last week by Auditor General Junias Kandjeke.
The report noted that the Council did not explain the omission, nor did it make any disclosures relating to these funds.
In the previous financial year, the Council had recorded closing balances of N$635 892 for the Build Together Fund and N$2.5 million for the Housing Fund.
The Auditor General also found that completed projects worth N$9 million were incorrectly listed as “work in progress” instead of being capitalised.
These projects include Hoachanas staff and social housing, Rehoboth Rural staff houses, and Rehoboth Urban West social houses.
The latest financial statements did not reflect any of these factors.
The audit also raised concerns over the Council’s failure to submit supporting documentation for key performance indicators (KPIs).
Of the 72 KPIs assessed for 2022/23, documentation for 63 was not submitted.
The report said the Council did not consistently align its KPIs with its strategic goals, which weakens accountability.
This is not the first time the Hardap Regional Council has faced criticism over its financial reporting.
In 2017, the auditor general highlighted persistent issues with the council’s accounting system, including difficulties integrating invoices and weak stock control.
Council officials at the time acknowledged problems with the Pastel accounting software and admitted that some invoices from settlement offices were not properly recorded in the central system.
