AG to evaluate climate resilience program costs

Martin Endjala

The Auditor General’s Office is gearing up to evaluate the financial impact of Namibia’s climate resilience and adaptation strategies as outlined in the Social Development Goals (SDGs), specifically goal 2.3, in the 2024/25 fiscal year.

This initiative, part of the newly incorporated Environmental Audit, was announced by the Minister in the Presidency, Christina //Hoabes, during her budget speech in the National Assembly.

With advancements in the extractive industry, the ministry is eager to align with the government’s green energy and extractive industry goals, prompting the integration of the Environmental Audit for the upcoming financial year.

//Hoabes detailed that in the 2024/25 financial period, the Auditor General’s Office will focus on three main programs: independence and legal framework, public expenditure oversight, and policy coordination and support services, with a budget of N$84.7 million.

The office aims to complete 134 audit reports, encompassing 36 government reports, 87 regional and local authority reports, and several statutory body audit reports.

This includes 58 asset inspection audits and 11 specialized audit reports, like compliance and information system audits.

This follows the 2023/24 financial year, where 113 audit reports were tabled, covering various government sectors.

In consideration of the current economic challenges, //Hoebes requested a budget of N$124 million for the 2024/25 fiscal year under the appropriation bill.

This budget, marking a 4.1 percent increase from the previous year, is intended to address staffing capacity issues, particularly in specialized areas such as procurement, assets management, and information systems audits.

It also aims to fund training workshops and the adoption of data analytics tools to enhance transparency and oversight.

The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration to uphold accountability and integrity within government institutions, indicating a proactive step towards responsible governance and environmental stewardship.