The Anambra State Government has given a new instruction to people living in houses with old or faded paint. The government says such buildings must be repainted soon.

This was made known in a press statement on Thursday, June 19, by the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu. He explained that buildings with washed-out paint make the cities look untidy and unattractive.

According to him, the repainting of houses will begin immediately, especially in major towns like Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia. The goal is to make these towns cleaner, greener, and more beautiful.

Dr. Odimegwu said that starting from July 1, government officials will go out to check if people are following the new rule. Anyone who refuses to repaint might face penalties.

He also explained that this new action is part of efforts to make buildings stronger and improve the way the state looks overall. It’s also meant to boost green areas and support eco-friendly surroundings.

The statement in part reads

“Notice is hereby given to all residents and occupants of buildings which are in public view areas of the state with particular emphasis on Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewil and Ekwuluobia respectively, that general house hold inspection on dilapidated and unpainted structures defacing the environment shall commence with immediate effect.

This exercise is aimed at strengthening the existing building structures, improving the aesthetic ambience, and the green space of the state as enshrined in the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024, Part 4 sec 79 (1-7).

Hence, residents are enjoined to fully maintain, repaint (if necessary) their residential and commercial premises which are in public view (anyaora) areas.”

Finally, Dr. Odimegwu said that the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law 2024 supports this initiative. According to Part 4, Section 79 of the law, improving how buildings look is now a legal duty.

“Regulators will be embarking on field operations starting from July 1, 2025, for this particular purpose. Therefore, concerned individuals and corporate organisations within the purview as stated above are required to repaint their houses/buildings, especially those that have not been repainted in the last 10 years or buildings whose current paint is defacing the environment.

“A clean, beautiful and eco-friendly Anambra is possible if we join hands together to improve her aesthetic ambience,” the statement added.