The Government is planning two new roads on Efate next year to help address traffic congestion in Port Vila, but funding must first be approved by Parliament.

Director General of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Henry Worek, confirmed the plans, which include a proposed road from Etas to Montmartre and another in the Number 2 area.

Funding needed before construction

Worek said more than VT100 million had already been spent on the road projects under discussion, although further funding and work would be required before construction could proceed.

Speaking about the proposed Etas–Montmartre road, he said the Government would need to address land acquisition and determine how the construction work would be carried out.

Worek also indicated that private companies could be invited to bid for the construction work.

The second proposed road would focus on opening up the Number 2 area.

The projects are being considered as Port Vila continues to experience traffic congestion, affecting people travelling to work, children going to school and residents attending appointments.

Government has not stopped vehicle imports

Minister of Internal Affairs Andrew Napuat confirmed that the Government had not made a decision or issued written instructions to car dealers to stop ordering vehicles from overseas.

Vehicle imports remain an important source of government revenue through taxes.

The information provided states that vehicle-related revenue collections reached more than VT64 million in 2025, with a target of VT72 million for this year.

Statistics cited in the report show that Efate has approximately 1,400 buses, 94 taxis, 30 maxi-taxis, around 400 other public transport vehicles, 23 tour operators and 471 rental vehicles.

The growing number of vehicles and pressure on Port Vila’s road network have contributed to concerns about traffic congestion.

Transport links to the outer islands

The Public Land Transport Authority has also highlighted the role of road conditions in supporting transport services to the outer islands.

According to the information provided, many vehicles travel to Santo, Malekula, Tanna and other islands when road conditions are suitable.

Improving road infrastructure on Efate is therefore important not only for easing congestion in the capital, but also for supporting transport operations and connectivity.