Abdou Faye

At a time when concerns about global warming and the need for renewable energy sources are grabbing headlines the world over, it seems particularly regrettable that communities would be afflicted by the theft of solar panels. Yet, this is precisely what is happening in rural areas of Senegal, in West Africa.

The stench of the place is evident for kilometres around. Nonetheless, people of all ages, mostly men, can be seen scurrying around the Mbeubeuss dump site near Senegal’s capital, Dakar, salvaging anything that can be sold. Belatedly, authorities have recognised the 24-year-old dump site as an environmental hazard.