Anambra Launches ‘Operation Paint Your Building’ To Beautify Urban Areas

The Anambra State Government has announced the commencement of a statewide inspection targeting dilapidated and unpainted buildings in urban areas.

The state’s Ministry of Environment made the announcement as part of a new campaign titled “Operation Repaint Your Buildings (Ka Anambra Chakee).”

The notice, dated June 17 stated that the initiative is aimed at improving the aesthetic appeal and environmental health of the state, particularly in high-visibility areas such as Onitsha, Awka, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia.

According to the Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odimegwu, regulators would begin field operations from July 1, 2025, targeting structures that have either remained unpainted for over a decade or currently contribute to environmental blight.

“This exercise is aimed at strengthening the existing building structures, improving the aesthetic ambience, and the green space of the state,” the statement read.

The notice said the operation is backed by the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law of 2024, which provides a legal framework for environmental beautification and face-lifting.

The ministry, therefore, mandated residents, property owners, and corporate bodies to repaint or maintain their buildings if they are located in public view areas, referred to as ‘anyaora zones’.

“Concerned individuals and organisations are required to repaint their houses/buildings, especially those that have not been repainted in the last ten (10) years.

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

This notice comes amid a rising security situation across the state as well as an unstable power supply among other challenges the state government is yet to resolve.

Reacting to the development, Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Anambra state, George Moghalu condemned the directives, describing them as “draconian and anti-people”.

He called for the immediate suspension of the directive and initiated a genuine dialogue with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders on how best to improve the state’s environmental outlook without weaponising governance.

He said, “We find it utterly appalling that a government that has failed woefully in its core responsibilities—such as fixing roads, providing basic healthcare, empowering small businesses, and creating jobs—would rather resort to harassing its already overburdened citizens with unrealistic and anti-poor policies.

“This forced repainting order, coming at a time when Ndi Anambra are groaning under the weight of economic hardship, high inflation, unemployment, and poor infrastructure, is both tone-deaf and tyrannical.

“Instead of addressing the more pressing developmental issues ravaging the state, the Soludo-led administration is obsessed with cosmetic aesthetics at the expense of real governance.

“Governance is not about painting walls—it is about painting a better life for the people through sound policies, inclusive development, and responsive leadership.

“The law cited by the Commissioner for Environment is not a license for oppression. A responsible government should support citizens, not suffocate them with needless and financially burdensome demands.”

The candidate emphasised that although his campaign supports cleanliness, urban renewal, and environmental improvement, such directives must be pursued with empathy, dialogue, and shared responsibility— not through threats, intimidation, or arbitrary enforcement.

He added, “Where is the enabling support? Where are the grants or incentives to help property owners comply? What has the government done to repaint its dilapidated public buildings across the state?

“This policy, if not immediately reversed, will be resisted by the people whose lives and livelihoods are being disrupted by a government that has failed to show compassion or competence.

“George Moghalu remains committed to building a people-focused administration—one that listens, engages, and lifts the burdens of the masses, not one that amplifies their sufferings with reckless policies.

“We call on the Anambra State Government to immediately suspend this inhumane directive and initiate a genuine dialogue with community leaders, residents, and stakeholders on how best to improve our environmental outlook without weaponising governance.

Anambra Launches ‘Operation Paint Your Building’ To Beautify Urban Areas is first published on The Whistler Newspaper