Section 21: Determination of amount of compensation

(1) The amount of the compensation payable under the provisions of section 20 of this Act shall be determined by agreement between the parties or if the parties are unable to reach agreement, by the Secretary of Local Government, who after consultation with the parties shall, as soon as practicably possible, assess and determine the amount of the compensation payable at the date of such assessment and shall notify the parties of the sum awarded.
(2) The decision of such officer shall be final, unless any of the parties desire that the matters in dispute be determined by arbitration.
(3) Notice of such appeal shall be given to the officer concerned within fourteen days of the date on which his decision is notified to the party desiring to appeal.
(4) The Governor of the State may direct that, in such areas as he may specify, an administrative officer shall negotiate on behalf of any person or community to whom compensation may be due.