2010 - China - Economic and Social Benefits from Resettlement

Paper prepared for 2010 Conference on Involuntary Displacement and Resettlement.

Resettlement can be a challenge in any transport project, particularly in China with its high population densities and limited available unused land. However, when a project’s resettlement activities are properly designed and have the full support of the client, it is possible to overcome the challenges and achieve a successful outcome for those affected by the project.

When properly designed and implemented, involuntary resettlement on highway projects can be used to improve overall living conditions and alleviate poverty for those affected by the project. This paper describes how this was achieved on the World Bank financed Shiyan-Manchuangan (Shiman) Expressway project in Hubei China.

By focusing on sustainable land development, better housing standards and infrastructure access, and centralized resettlement communities, the project has improved living standards and raised incomes for most affected residents. Moreover, the project was able to realize some RMB 10 million (US$ 1.5 m) in economic benefits to these affected residents from the policies.

Public participation and continuous dialogue with affected parties throughout the project helped address residents’ concerns and contributed to the positive outcome. These practices can be applied elsewhere to help achieve satisfactory resettlement outcomes.