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chattyNow Playing: Chavez orders takeover of 2 construction suppliers
Topic: CHAVEZ
Chavez orders takeover of 2 construction suppliers
Dec 19, 2010
By The Associated Press
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — President Hugo Chavez on Sunday ordered the expropriation of two Venezuelan companies that produce construction materials.
Appearing on his weekly television and radio program, Chavez signed decrees for the "forced acquisition" of Sanitarios Maracay and Aluminio de Venezuela, or Alven.
Chavez said both companies had been paralyzed and the government will now use them to boost production of materials from aluminum sheeting to bathroom supplies.
Chavez has seized a growing list of private companies while pledging to turn Venezuela into a socialist state.
He also said his government is expropriating some land in Caracas to use for building public housing.
Chavez has promised to accelerate housing construction for thousands of people who were displaced by recent floods and mudslides.
He also has ordered officials to seize dozens of large farms in western Zulia and Merida states as he pushes ahead with an effort to take control of big swaths of agricultural land.
Opposing the seizures, which began Friday, some ranchers staged a road-blocking protest in the area.
Chavez said Sunday that army troops and members of a civilian militia would enforce the takeovers if there is resistance.
Chavez originally announced plans to seize 47 ranches, but he said officials decided to let 16 ranch owners keep properties that are relatively small and being used productively.
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