Gunjur stands at a crossroads once again. The looming prospect of dredging operations by Sino Majilac Jalbak (SMJ) brings back painful memories of past resource exploitation - where foreign companies reaped untold profits while the community was left to suffer the environmental and economic consequences.
From Golden Lead’s environmental violations to the unchecked sand mining operations, Gunjur has consistently been shortchanged in deals that were meant to bring prosperity. Instead, our land, waters, and livelihoods have been degraded while the wealth extracted from our resources vanishes into the hands of outsiders. This time, we must be different. This time, we must demand transparency, accountability, and real benefits for the people.
The Need for Open and Honest Engagement
Reports suggest that SMJ has already secured an operational license from the Gambia Geology Department and that preliminary discussions have been held with Village Development Committee (VDC) leaders from Gunjur, Sambuya, Tujereng, Sanyang, Batokunku, and Kartong. However, a crucial question remains: Has the community been informed? The government simply cannot impose things on the local community without comprehensive consultation with the people.
The people of Gunjur deserve to know what is being planned for their land and waters. They deserve a say in decisions that will impact their environment, fishing industry, and future generations. It is unacceptable for backroom meetings to decide the fate of our community without broad consultation.
Environmental and Economic Considerations
Before any dredging operation is approved, a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) must be conducted - not just by SMJ, but by independent experts. What will be the impact of shallow dredging on biodiversity? How will marine life be affected? What safeguards will be put in place to prevent water pollution and destruction of fish breeding grounds?
Equally important is the economic equation. What will Gunjur gain from this deal? If dredging is to happen, it must come with concrete community benefits - employment opportunities, development projects, and fair revenue sharing. Gunjur cannot afford another situation where its resources are plundered while its people are left in poverty.
Our initial findings on this dredging agreement simply does not sit well with us. SMJ, we understand is to merely restore the mining mess left behind by uncontrolled and indiscriminate mining in Gunjur. The company was alledgedly engaged by the government to cover the old mining trenches without being paid by the government. In the process, SMJ will dredge sand in the shallow waters of Gunjur to sell as compensation for doing the work free of charge. This does not sit well with us!
The Role of the VDC: Leadership and Negotiation Capacity
The Gunjur VDC Chair and his committee must step up as true guardians of the community’s interest. This is not just a business deal - it is a matter of our people’s future. The VDC must:
• Engage the community - no deal should be signed without the people’s knowledge and consent.
• Seek expert legal and environmental advice - to ensure Gunjur does not fall into another exploitative agreement.
• Negotiate from a position of strength - demanding fair terms and environmental safeguards.
A scheduled meeting on March 30th between VDC representatives and SMJ presents an opportunity to get this right. It must not be another rubber-stamping session but a moment for bold leadership.
Gunjur’s Natural Wealth: A Blessing, Not a Curse
For too long, our natural resources have been a curse instead of a blessing - not because we lack resources, but because we have failed to manage them properly. Weak leadership, lack of expertise, and poor contractual agreements have allowed others to enrich themselves at our expense.
This time, we must break the cycle. The VDC, the community, and all stakeholders must stand together to ensure that Gunjur’s resources bring prosperity, not poverty - development, not destruction. If dredging is to happen, it must be on our terms, with our benefit at the center of the deal.
This is our land. This is our future. And we must fight for it.
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