Friends of Hwange Trust would like to reassure everyone that the report currently circulating on social media regarding the theft of solar panels from Hwange National Park is misleading and erroneous. Although a couple of water pumps and a few solar panels have been lost from the park to theft over the past few years, thanks to our wonderful support base of donors, and to our supplier, we were able to replace these within a few days and get the solar water pumps up and running again in short order. As of today, 5 June 2020, the water pumps and solar panels in Hwange are intact, almost all of the pans are full, and the park is looking magnificent with abundant vegetation. There is no risk of animals dying of thirst.
Regrettably, a large number of solar panels have been stolen from various locations in the Matetsi /Vic Falls area, and this is where the confusion lies. The deteriorating socio-economic situation in the country risks incidents of this nature becoming more frequent.
Today as we celebrate World Environment Day, we dream about heading out of our cities into beautiful wild spaces. Let’s be mindful as never before that conservation of natural ecosystems is absolutely critical to ensure a sustainable future not only for the wildlife, but also for us.