The police in Jovellanos, located in Matanzas, have discovered stolen components from a solar park under construction being sold in the local market. Major Yadira Prieto Vega, head of the MININT's instruction department, mentioned that specialists from the park recognized the stolen bolts being sold illegally by independent vendors. These are unique parts not available through any legitimate commercial channels.
“These bolts are essential for assembling both the tables and directly installing the solar panels,” she explained during a broadcast on the national television news. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have yet to identify how the bolts were stolen from the construction site and ended up on the market. While some of the stolen parts have been recovered, there are still many more to be tracked down. "The sale at illegal points has been somewhat curbed; however, we still need to locate many others. They must adhere to the legal requirements for selling as independent workers, not from the black market," the officer emphasized.
Meanwhile, Ilíac Castellanos, the chief prosecutor of the penal process department in the Matanzas General Prosecutor's Office, indicated that the individuals involved could face charges of sabotage, which carry harsher penalties, due to their connection to the national electricity system.
The solar park is expected to begin operations in the first months of this year, and the Unión Eléctrica has replaced the stolen components to stay on schedule. In December, there was a similar incident involving the theft of solar panels powering water pumping systems in rural areas of Las Tunas, leaving communities without access to water.
In less than six months, eight incidents have been reported, leaving several localities without service and complicating equipment replacement. According to the Provincial Water and Sewer Company, municipalities such as Puerto Padre, Colombia, Jobabo, and Majibacoa suffered the most. Some communities had to revert to traditional methods for water access. Despite efforts to enhance security, including cooperation with neighbors and local guards, the thefts remain unresolved and the stolen goods unrecovered.
Insights on Solar Park Theft in Matanzas
What components were stolen from the Matanzas solar park?
Bolts essential for the assembly of tables and installation of solar panels were stolen from the Matanzas solar park.
What are the potential legal consequences for those involved in the theft?
Individuals involved could face charges of sabotage, which carry more severe penalties due to the impact on the national electricity system.
How have authorities responded to the thefts at the solar park?
Authorities have begun investigations but have yet to fully resolve the thefts. Some stolen components have been recovered, but many are still missing.