Soludo moves to reduce house rent in Anambra

From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha

The Governor Chukwuma Soludo administration in Anambra State has disclosed plans to regulate the rising cost of renting houses in the state. The state government also released operation guidelines for metal scrap business in the state. These are part of the major decisions taken by the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) during its meeting, yesterday, at the Government House, also known as Light House, Awka.

The state  Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, in a statement, yesterday, said that scrap business needs regulation, especially in view of cases of theft that surround operation of dealers in the business.

He also said rent needs to be regulated in the state to avoid the ripping off of unsuspecting accommodation seekers, while also partnering with private individuals to solve the problem of housing deficit.

Mefor said the government will promulgate a new law to protect public properties and regulate the activities of scrap dealers in the state.

He explained that the proposed legislation will make it mandatory for the business to be licensed to ensure the monitoring and surveillance of the operators and check vandalism and theft in the state.

Dr Mefor indicated that the council resolved to develop a comprehensive policy on mass housing to tackle rising rents and encourage stronger public – private partnership in the sector.

The commissioner disclosed that another key decision of the council is that companies bidding for government’s projects in the state must, henceforth, show proof of their tax worthiness.

“ANSEC is to develop a policy for mass housing. The Council decried the housing deficits in Anambra State. It resolved to tackle the supply side to address the twin issues of rising house rents and the private sector’s partnership with the government to ensure sufficient housing in the state.

“The Council also resolved to, henceforth, involve professionals of relevant departments and faculties in the universities in the state in project designs, execution, and deliveries. This way, the professionals in the universities will be able to match theory with practice” he stated.

The Council also approved over N1 billion contracts for three major development projects. These included N801 million contract for the construction of a floodwater diversion channel at Ezioko, Oko-Nanka in Orumba North Local Government Area, N280 million  contract for the supply and installation of new medical equipment and accessories at the General Hospital, Oroma Etiti, and N92 million contract for general external works and landscaping at the Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, among others.