The Anambra State Government has issued a directive requiring residents and property owners across the state to repaint all dilapidated or unsightly buildings located in public view, as part of efforts to enhance the state’s environmental aesthetics.
This directive, announced on Thursday by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, mandates immediate compliance in key urban centers including Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia. Regulatory field inspections and enforcement are scheduled to commence on July 1, 2025.
According to Dr. Odimegwu, the initiative is in line with the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law, 2024, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean, visually appealing, and environmentally sustainable state.
“Residents and corporate organisations are required to repaint buildings that have not undergone repainting in the last 10 years, or those with peeling or defaced paintwork that negatively impacts the state’s visual environment,” the commissioner stated.
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He noted that the exercise is designed to reinforce the structural integrity of buildings, improve the state’s aesthetic appeal, and promote urban green spaces, a strategic priority under the 2024 environmental law (Part 4, Section 79, Subsections 1–7).
The statement further emphasized:
“Notice is hereby given to all residents and occupants of buildings in public view areas, especially in Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia, that a general inspection of dilapidated and unpainted structures will begin immediately. This initiative aims to restore visual order and support a greener urban landscape.”
Property owners are urged to repaint and maintain both residential and commercial structures that fall within public view areas (referred to as anyaora zones). The government stressed that the upcoming inspections will ensure full compliance with the law.
Dr. Odimegwu concluded:
“A clean, beautiful, and eco-friendly Anambra is possible if we all join hands in improving the state’s aesthetic ambience.”