Tenants in Anambra State may be in for some form of respite, following plans by the State government to regulate the rising cost of renting houses across the state’s communities.
The State Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the plan was among the decisions reached during the State Executive Council (ANSEC) meeting at the Government House, also known as the Light House, Awka.
He said the government also planned to regulate the scrap metal business, especially in view of cases of theft that surround the operation of dealers.
The high cost of renting houses has become a major challenge, especially in Awka, the State Capital, where a 3-bedroom flat, in a low-cost environment, now goes for between one million to one point five million Naira for a year.
Residents, especially civil servants, who earn meager salaries, have blamed the spike in house rents on the influx of internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘yahoo boys’, into the city, most of whom are willing to pay any amount of money for accommodation.
According to the Commissioner, regulations on rents in the state have become necessary following the ripping off of unsuspecting accommodation seekers, while also partnering with private individuals to address the housing deficit.
He listed other matters the council deliberated upon, including development policy for mass housing, the need for companies bidding on projects to demonstrate taxworthiness, and the involvement of universities in the state in project design and evaluation.
Mefor said: “The Soludo government’s second-term Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) met for the second time at the Light House, Awka, and made several significant decisions.
“The council proposed a law on the protection of public properties and the regulation of crap dealers.
“This is for purposes of monitoring and surveillance. The coming law will require the licensing of scrap dealers, including those dealing in scrapped vehicles. The legislation follows a rise in reported cases of vandalism and theft of public property in the state.
“Also, 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.
“The Council insisted that tax worthiness be part of the prequalifications before any company can, henceforth, participate in bidding for projects in the state.
“This will further ensure that the state fully benefits from companies doing projects in the state as responsible corporate partners.”
