Resettlement is essential in compulsory acquisition – ESV Ikechukwu Ikenna Nwachukwu

Resettlement is a forced displacement of persons or communities from their original abode to another location as a result of development or natural occurrence, while compulsory acquisition is a situation where land is being acquired by the Government either State or Federal for over riding public interest.
When government is acquiring land for development and provision of infrastructure, people are usually displaced from their abodes. Estate Surveyors and Valuers are saddled with the responsibility of enumeration and assessment of persons, structures, crops, and economic trees of the affected communities for the purpose of resettlement and compensation.
In carrying out this task, the Estate Surveyor and Valuer must ensure to interact with the affected community and sensitize them about the acquisition, conduct a demographic survey of the affected person so as to gather for planning purposes, identify and take physical measurement of the affected structures and farm lands.
It is perliment to note that in valuation for compensation, the value of land is not taken into cognize, what is assessed is the improvement made on the acquired land.
Usually, displaced communities are not excited about their displacement. The Estate Surveyor & Valuer must ensure that the selected site for resettlement is suitable for the displaced communities and must also take into cognizance their socio-cultural heritage and affinity.
In conclusion, Resettlement and Compensation scheme the Estate Surveyor & Valuer’s input is essential to the success of the program.