RESETTLEMENT DIFFICULTIES

Mr John Ede asked the Minister for Local Government, Lands and Housing whether he is aware that there are no proper arrangements in resettlement areas to assist the new settlers in their various difficulties; and what steps will be taken to remedy the situation.

Inche Abdul Hamid Bin Haji Jumat: Mr Speaker, Sir, as far as I am aware, proper arrangements to assist the settlers in resettlement areas are being made. These include assessment of the value of improvements owned by the settlers and the payment of ex-gratia compensation based on the assessment, payment of transport, subsistence and other allowances, and the allocation of suitably prepared sites with proper roads, drains and stand-pipes. The resettlement section of the Land Office comprises the Collector of Land Revenue, an engineer, a surveyor and several bailiffs who all pay periodical visits to these resettlement areas. It is understood that the Collector visits these areas three or four times a week when circumstances require.