Venezuela Imposes Power Cuts, Announces
Network Of “Socialist” Shops
CARACAS - Venezuela has imposed sweeping
power cuts on industry and businesses in
order to save its limited energy resources
and avoid mass blackouts. The government
said the cuts were because of falling water
levels at the Guri Hydroelectric dam, which
supplies much of the country’s power.
President Hugo Chavez also announced the
creation of a network of “Socialist” shops
to supply cheat items from food to cars,
helping to combat speculation.
Energy Minister Angel Rodriguez said that
without cuts, the dam could stop feeding the
power grid early next year. A drought in the
region has caused water levels to drop
dramatically.
Shopping centres have to turn off their
lights by 21:00 as part of the widespread
rationing, while casinos and bingo halls
have to turn theirs off by midnight.
Billboards also have to use energy-efficient
light bulbs.
Businesses that do not comply with the new
measures will be forced to close for one
day, or three days for repeat offenders.
The government also told businesses to draw
up plans to cut energy use by 20%.
Chavez also launched this week the first of
a network of “Socialist retail shops” which
will be selling at very modest prices
everything from food to imported cars from
China and Argentina, and garments from
Bolivia.
“We are creating Comerso, Corporation of
Socialist markets, said Chavez: “a network
of affiliates that will sell at very
affordable prices”.
“We’ll show them what is good; we’re going
to show them what is a true market and not a
speculative, hoarders’ market; shops for the
people” said Chavez during the inauguration
of a “Socialist” outlet for the sale of the
traditional arepas (corn flour bread) in one
of Caracas’ humblest quarters.
The selling price for arepas will be five
Bolivares (2.33 US dollars) which is five
times cheaper than in local shops. “We’re
going to push out of the market all the junk
food that only makes people fatter”, said
Chavez.
“And we will also sell cars, very nice cars
and very cheap…” he added.
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