Defence minister Frans Kapofi has admitted to the ministry’s overspending flagged by the public accounts committee audit report of 2019.
Kapofi has assured the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs will do better going forward in regards to its accounting books.
He was responding to the parliamentary standing committee on public accounts’ report on Wednesday in the National Assembly.
Chairperson of the public accounts committee Dudu Murorua raised concerns of overspending by the defence ministry, describing it as ‘worrisome’.
In the report, he recommended the ministry accounts for every penny spent and allow auditors to do their job, and not deny them access to invoices to verify bought military equipment among other things.
“I want to assure this house that since I took over the ministry, we have had four unqualified audit reports, and yes I admit we may have overspent but we will continue to make sure we address that,”Kapofi said.
He added that the ministry respects the law and will continue to adhere to all auditing rules.
Kapofi further said that putting accounting books in order takes time but strides have already been made.
Not long ago, the ministry was criticised for denying access to its military equipment citing security risks.
Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters deputy leader Kalimbo Iipumbu argues that such excuses are embarrassing and demands the ministry accounts for each dollar spent.
Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament Elma Dienda suggests the government should stop funding ministries that are not accounting for the money they receive from the coffers.
Murorua urged the ministry to only spend what it gets and not overspend.
He also raised concerns over public entities not complying to audit processes, calling for urgent intervention by the line ministry.
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