By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State government has announced plans to regulate the rising cost of renting houses in the state.

It also plans to rebate the scrap metal business, which it noted needs regulation, especially in view of cases of theft that surround operation of dealers in the business.

This was contained in a press release made available to journalists in Awka by the state Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr Law Mefor, on Tuesday.

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

The statement read, “On June 8, 2026, 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 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 increasing reported cases of vandalism and theft of public properties 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

“Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) deliberated on this in its meeting on Monday at the Anambra State Government House also known as Light House, Awka.

“Among other things the council deliberated upon are development policy for mass housing, the need for companies Bidding for projects to show proof of tax worthiness and the involvement of universities in the state in project designs and evaluation.”