Esau raps NAMFI management

Esau raps NAMFI managementFinancial report delayed Fisheries minister Bernhardt Esau was not happy with the feedback provided by the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute last week. The audited financial statements of the Namibian Maritime and Fisheries Institute (NAMFI) for 2015/16 have been delayed and will only become available in two weeks' time.

NAMFI director Cornelius Bundje told fisheries and marine resources minister Bernhardt Esau during the appointment of the institution's eighth board of trustees in Walvis Bay last week that the auditors were preparing the document and gave assurances that it would be ready.

Esau said he was not happy with the feedback provided and with the incomplete report and pointed out that the board had not endorsed the report presented by Bundje on behalf and in the absence of outgoing chairperson Connie Pandeni.

“Activity reports must be produced, work plans have to be approved and tabled via the board and should carry its stamp of approval.

“The time of doing things the way it had been done in the past is gone. Management must take its responsibilities serious and account to the ministry through the board and not via the office of the permanent secretary.”

The minister expressed his disappointment with what had been prepared on the day and said he would not accept the annual report as is.

“Procedures were clearly not followed and the process was not properly done.

“The complete document must be submitted for scrutiny and discussion by the industry and the ministry.

“I need to see the audited financial statements and know the opinion of the auditors as the responsible minister in order to determine how donated money and government allocated funds was used. I also want a detailed report from the board of trustees.”

According to Esau it was evident that there was something seriously wrong with the management of the institution and he urged the newly appointed board to take full control of this component.

“I am well aware that in this year of budget cuts, institutions including NAMFI would find it easy to offer excuses for none performance.

“I can see in terms of what has been presented to me that there still remained a lot that needs to be done.

“The new NAMFI board of trustees must know that they are in charge of management and of every aspect in terms of the corporate governance of the institution.

“I expect you to ensure that NAMFI performs as per expectations without any excuses and I want you to urgently work on and implement a programme of action.”

The minister noted that NAMFI had done a lot as reported and outlined in the annual report that was presented, but the document must be discussed and scrutinised to determine whether the needs of the industry were really being addressed.



OTIS FINCK