Fisherman fishes for 6 days in a row as a protest against solar panels
Just today is Xavier Ramboer’s birthday and a number of people came by to congratulate him, but Xavier also likes to be alone in the silence of nature. He fears that this will soon disappear when De Watergroep wants to install solar panels on half of the water surface. A pilot project for similar plans later on the Blankaart reservoir in Woumen.
“I actually don’t think that is possible. There are plenty of other places where they could do that, for example on the concrete reservoir here in Woumen. There is no impact on nature there and there is also no visual pollution for people. that’s not ok I’ve been coming here for so long I came here when I was twelve or thirteen years old I came here to swim to cool off in the summer When I was older I would come fishing That’s why we’re against those panels It would be a shame are that they put it on it.”
Birthday protest
De Watergroep will in any case include the impact on fauna and flora in the preliminary study. Solar panels on water would provide a higher return. But the project is sensitive and others may also take action.
“It’s a bit heavy,” says Xavier. “We don’t sleep much, but I said I would do it for six days and I won’t stop sooner. -Today on your birthday you will be spoiled too? I’ve already had some letters from children who have drawn fish with my age added I won’t say how much, but yeah, it’s fun.”
Tomorrow we will reminisce about that birthday at De Put and then Xavier’s protest will be over.