Concerns have been raised over the lack of legal authority to address misuse of government vehicles following recent changes to fleet management.
Fleet management, now under the Asset Unit within the Ministry of Finance, reportedly does not have a specific law or enforcement power to deal with cases of misuse.
A reliable source told VBTC News that previously, when the responsibility was under the Public Service Commission, disciplinary action could be taken using the Public Service Staff Manual, Chapter 9, and the Public Service Commission Act.
However, since the decision to shift the unit, there is currently no clear legal framework within the asset system to handle such cases.
Chief Executive Officer of Transparency Vanuatu, Dr Willie Tokon, said the situation is concerning, especially as misuse of government vehicles continues.
“If there is no law to control the use of government vehicles, then civil servants will do whatever they want. Compliance becomes difficult when there is no control.”
Dr Tokon added that the issue may also extend beyond public servants to senior officials, stressing that accountability and integrity must remain a priority.
“Integrity means doing the right thing whether someone is watching or not.”
In response, the government said the decision to move fleet management under Finance was necessary, citing concerns over activities within the Public Service.
Officials say work is now underway to develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules to properly manage government vehicles.
The decision to shift fleet management to the Asset Unit was approved by the Council of Ministers in January.
