Anambra Announces N18m House Repainting Competition for Onitsha Landlords

The Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, issued a stern warning to landlords in Onitsha against defacing the city.
In an interactive session with landlords from Onitsha South Local Government Area, Soludo emphasised the need for improved cleanliness and aesthetics in the state.
As part of the initiative, the state government announced a cash reward of N10 million for the first street in Onitsha to complete the repainting of their buildings between February 1 and March 10, 2024. The focus is on enhancing the overall appearance of the city.
During the session, the governor highlighted concerns about the lack of septic tanks in many houses and improper drainage practices, posing health hazards.
Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, emphasised the importance of clearing drains, planting trees, and painting buildings for a cleaner and more appealing environment.
The governor’s challenge, “Ka Anambra Chakee,” encourages streets to collaborate, discuss, and undertake initiatives like repainting. The first streets to complete the painting project by March 10 will be eligible for cash prizes, with the first-place winner receiving N10 million, the second N5 million, and the third N3 million.
Odimegwu underscored the significance of cleanliness, stating that Onitsha’s transformation is a priority for the government. He also urged landlords to consider the health benefits of a clean environment, as recognised by the World Health Organisation.
Odimegwu said: “The local government chairman fixed this meeting today to ginger Onitsha landlords, and as you are doing it, Awka landlords are also doing theirs, likewise Awada and the chairman is trying to see that Onitsha landlords come first. If these first, second and third positions come to Onitsha South, it will be remarkable.
“The same applies to tree planting, if we can also plant step trees, masquerade trees, and map out small spaces for this, each street should choose their choice and each building plant two step trees each in front of their buildings and in a straight line too.”
The local council chairman, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, affirmed the commitment of his administration to enforcing cleanliness and removing illegal structures. He reiterated that the repainting competition will position Onitsha as a city with a conducive environment for businesses and healthy living.
While landlords expressed readiness to cooperate, they raised concerns about extortion by suspected touts during building renovations. The spokesperson of the Fegge landlords, Chief Ignatius Agabarugo, raised this vital point and urged the government to address issues of double taxation and property rates, which they considered burdensome.

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