Africa-Press – Namibia. The mayor of Mariental, Cherien Kock, has credited the town’s first-ever unqualified audit report to strong financial discipline, effective internal controls, and a culture of accountability within the municipality.
The Municipality of Mariental became the only local authority in Hardap region – and one of the few in the country – to receive a clean audit opinion from the Office of the Auditor-General for the 2023/24 financial year.
Kock told New Era this achievement had resulted from strict policies and sound administrative systems. “We established clear guidelines on procurement, revenue collection, expenditure, and asset management. Duties were properly segregated and regular internal audits were conducted to detect and correct errors before the Auditor-General’s review,” she said.
“Yes, I am so happy to announce that Mariental Municipality is the only local authority in Namibia, led by the youngest mayor in the country, to have received a clean audit in the past financial year,” Kock added. “Through commitment, dedication, and hard work, we managed to achieve this milestone. Service delivery requires accountability in everything we do and responsibility when working with public funds.”
According to the Auditor-General’s Office, an unqualified audit opinion is the highest form of assurance that financial statements are accurate and reliable, proper accounting standards were followed, and no material irregularities or fraud were detected. It also confirms that all transactions are properly documented and that strong internal controls are in place to safeguard public funds.
In his official report, Auditor-General Junias Kandjeke said Mariental financial records give a true and fair view its in all material respects of the financial position and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards.
Addressing public concerns over councillors’ subsistence and travel (S&T) allowances, Kock said: “There are claims about councillors misusing S&T allowances. But when we travel, it is for a purpose. For example, two years ago I travelled to Spain, and people said it was just for S&T. Yet, I returned with two emergency fire trucks donated by the Municipality of Mosia in Spain. That’s how we lobby for support and resources to strengthen service delivery.”
The mayor further highlighted that financial discipline alone was not enough – leadership and teamwork were equally crucial. She credited the council’s chief executive officer, Paul Niwolepo, for providing institutional memory and guidance. “Mr. Niwolepo is a veteran administrator serving the longest in the ministry. His advice and leadership are invaluable. He ensures councillors understand procedures and that operations run smoothly,” she said.
Community members have welcomed the news. Leonard Stephanus, a senior citizen, said the clean audit “restores confidence in local governance. We often hear about corruption and mismanagement in municipalities, so to hear that our town has set a national example makes me proud. It shows we are moving in the right direction.”
Stephanus added: “The audit report tells me the administrative branch of the municipality is in good and capable hands. There’s no mismanagement of funds, no embezzlement. It gives us the assurance that we will see real development in our dusty town.”
He also praised the CEO: “He is probably the most experienced and longest-serving CEO in the ministry. But soon, it will be time for him to pass on the baton. I hope we will find someone of the same calibre or even better.”
Kock gave assurances the municipality will continue working tirelessly to close service delivery gaps. “Our municipality is always on its toes, finding solutions and closing loopholes. This clean audit is proof that when there is commitment and accountability, local government can truly deliver. But our journey is not done – we want Mariental to be a model town where residents get the services they deserve,” she concluded.
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