By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA — The Anambra State Government has announced plans to partner with the private sector to undertake mass housing projects aimed at addressing the state’s housing deficit and rising rental costs.
The decision was reached during the State Executive Council’s weekly meeting in Awka, where members resolved to tackle the supply side of the housing market through strategic collaboration with private investors to ensure the availability of affordable housing across the state.
According to the government, details of the partnership, including project locations and implementation plans, will be made public soon.
The council also approved the award of a contract worth N801.67 million for the construction of a floodwater diversion channel along the erosion-prone Oko-Nanka Road in Orumba North Local Government Area.
In the health sector, approval was granted for N279.49 million for the supply and installation of medical equipment and accessories at the General Hospital, Oroma Etiti, in Anambra West Local Government Area.
Similarly, the council approved N92.69 million for external works and landscaping at Nwafor Orizu College of Education in Anambra East Local Government Area.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, said the council had also approved a new policy requiring tax compliance as part of the pre-qualification criteria for companies bidding for government contracts.
According to him, the measure is intended to ensure that companies executing projects in the state contribute meaningfully to government revenue and operate as responsible corporate partners.
Mefor further disclosed that the council resolved to involve professionals from relevant departments and faculties of universities in the state in project design, execution and delivery.
He said the initiative would help bridge the gap between theory and practice while leveraging local expertise for public projects.
The commissioner also announced plans for a monitoring and surveillance law that would regulate and license scrap dealers, including operators dealing in scrapped vehicles.
He explained that the proposed legislation was prompted by increasing cases of vandalism and theft of public infrastructure across the state.
According to Mefor, the law is expected to strengthen oversight of the scrap trade and curb activities linked to the destruction of public property.
