by Mattdotvu | June 2025

Lopez Adams posted:
“Ol Road Worthy stickers naoia i kat blo PWD, Tax & Rates, mo Police. Very likely bae VNPF mo insurance too i jump lo bandwagon blo ol sticker. Ol fasin ia i stap soem lo yumi se ol dipatmen mo institusen blo kavman oli brokbrok olbaot. Yumi sta ariar. Technologia! Technologia!”

This hit home.

If you’ve driven around Port Vila or any town in Vanuatu lately, you’ve probably seen the problem firsthand. Windscreens are turning into sticker albums — with one for PWD (roadworthy), another for Tax & Rates, maybe something from the Police, and who knows — maybe soon even VNPF or insurance providers will join the parade.

Lopez is right. This mess of stickers isn’t just a visual nuisance — it’s a sign of fragmented government systems. Each department operates its own vehicle process, completely disconnected from the others.

We’re not just behind on technology — we’re stuck in a cycle of inefficiency.

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The Problem Isn’t the Stickers — It’s the Silos

Silos are systems, departments, or groups within an organization that operate independently and do not share information or processes with others.

This issue reflects deeper structural flaws:

• No centralised vehicle database
• No inter-agency integration
• No easy way for the public to verify if their vehicle is fully compliant
• Multiple trips to different offices just to meet basic legal requirements

Every sticker is a reminder of a missed opportunity for smarter systems.

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Here’s the Solution: One Smart System

1. Digital Vehicle Compliance Platform (DVCP)

A single digital platform managed by the government that includes:

• Vehicle registration records
• Roadworthiness status (from PWD)
• Tax & Rates clearance (Municipal/Provincial)
• Police verification
• Insurance proof
• Optional: VNPF (if they require fleet data)

2. One QR Code Sticker

Instead of multiple stickers, each vehicle gets one small smart sticker with a QR code.

• Can be scanned by Police or officers with a mobile app
• Instantly displays compliance status from the DVCP
• Updated in real-time when roadworthy, tax, or insurance is renewed

3. Department Integration

Government agencies don’t need separate systems. Each one plugs into the DVCP, using their own secure access:

• PWD updates inspection status
• Councils update tax status
• Police confirm clearance
• Insurance providers upload coverage info

4. Public Portal for Citizens

A critical part of the solution is a secure, user-friendly online portal that empowers citizens to manage their vehicle compliance with ease. This platform would act as a digital dashboard for vehicle owners, centralizing key services in one place.

Vehicle owners can:

View Their Compliance Status
Users can log in and instantly check whether their vehicle is compliant with:

• Roadworthiness inspections (PWD)
• Municipal or Provincial Tax & Rates
• Police clearance requirements
• Insurance coverage status
  The portal would show a clear visual status for each requirement, helping owners take timely action.

Pay Road Tax or Book Inspections Online
Avoiding the need to visit multiple offices, the portal would allow users to:

• Pay vehicle tax securely using mobile or bank card payments
• Book, reschedule, or cancel PWD inspections online
• Receive automated reminders for upcoming expiries or deadlines
  This streamlines the process and eliminates unnecessary waiting or travel.

Download Digital Receipts or Clearance Letters
All payment and compliance records would be stored in the user’s account. Owners could:

• Download and print official digital receipts
• Access clearance letters or certificates on demand
  This ensures every transaction is traceable and reduces the risk of lost paperwork.

Why It Works

• Saves time for vehicle owners
• Reduces clutter and duplication
• Makes law enforcement easier and more reliable
• Encourages inter-agency collaboration
• Prepares the system for future upgrades (e.g., mobile renewals, alerts)

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Final Word

Lopez Adams said it best — “Technologia! Technologia!”

The phrase, now a bit of a meme, comes from viral videos where someone uses a funny, improvised, or over-the-top invention that surprisingly works. It’s half-joke, half-genius — a perfect way to describe how some of our systems try to solve real problems with awkward or outdated methods.

Windscreen stickers may seem small, but they’re really symptoms of a bigger problem: our systems aren’t talking to each other.

If Vanuatu is serious about good governance and public service, it’s time we trade stickers for systems — and manual compliance for smart, digital integration.

Let’s move forward. Together.

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Have thoughts or want to help pilot something like this? Reach out: contact@mattdotvu.com