Only 20% of government vehicles in Port Vila have passed roadworthy inspections this year, according to data from the Public Works Department.

Road Worthy Inspector Hilton Matamalele confirmed the figures, stating that under Section 32 of the Road Traffic Act, all vehicles must undergo inspection regardless of registration type, including G plates, 4VE, and RV vehicles.

He explained that inspection requirements vary depending on vehicle category.

Private vehicles must meet four requirements: roadworthy certificate, insurance, road tax, and licence.

Public transport vehicles must meet nine requirements, while government vehicles are required to meet two: a valid roadworthy certificate and licence.

Mr Matamalele said despite these regulations, compliance among government vehicles remains very low.

“Vehicles used by enforcement agencies, including police and the Vanuatu Mobile Force, have also not been passing inspections,” he said.

VBTC News has also spoken to the Fleet Management Unit, which confirmed that around 80% of G-plate government vehicles have not undergone inspection.

A reliable source said the issue has been ongoing throughout 2024 and 2025, despite circulars and inspection schedules being issued to ministries.

The source added that notices are regularly circulated from January to March and again from October to December each year to prepare for inspections, but compliance has remained poor.

Earlier this year, the Council of Ministers transferred Fleet Management responsibilities to the Finance Ministry’s Asset Unit.

Concerns have been raised about accountability, particularly as government vehicles are also subject to the same legal requirements as private and public transport vehicles.

Vanuatu currently has more than 375 government vehicles, reduced from over 400 following recent fleet adjustments and disposals.