Ten Years On: Golden Lead Gives Gunjur VDC Less Than £5,000 Annually

Ten years after the establishment of Golden Lead Fishmeal Factory in Gunjur, concerns continue to mount over the company’s contribution to local development amid long-standing complaints surrounding its operations and environmental impact.

Golden Lead had previously been associated with promises including the construction of the Gunjur beach road, development of a fish market, creation of employment opportunities and support for community-based initiatives through corporate social responsibility programmes.

However, concerned residents and environmental campaigners have continued to raise concerns over the years regarding issues linked to the factory’s operation. Complaints have included foul odours, concerns about pollution affecting the local lagoon and allegations of waste discharge into the sea along the Gunjur coastline.

According to the Gunjur Village Development Committee (VDC) 2025/26 financial report, the committee received a total of D450,000 from Golden Lead as support towards development activities. The amount translates to less than £5,000 annually.

The contribution has sparked debate among some members of the community, particularly in relation to the scale of the factory’s operations and the expectations many residents had regarding community benefits and employment opportunities.

The issue has also renewed discussions on whether local authorities and government institutions should review the operations and social responsibilities of fishmeal factories to ensure communities hosting such industries receive what many believe to be fair and meaningful benefits.

The debate surrounding fishmeal operations in Gunjur remains ongoing, as residents continue to express concerns about balancing economic activity with environmental protection and community welfare.