[Bolivia] Wiping out Poverty

from Prensa Latina

Bolivian Planning and Development Minister Carlos Villegas ratified his government´s willingness to eradicate poverty over a five-year period as part of the newly-announced economic strategy.

The official told Prensa Latina that the first stage of the National Development Plan identified the 80 rural municipalities most affected by that social scourge.

He referred to Municipalities in Action program, which envisages actions in production sectors to offer new jobs mainly for youth.

With that plan, people in central municipalities will be provided with better conditions and services in health, education, housing, drinking water, sewage and electricity.

About full-time employment, the minister said the areas to be fostered are industry, manufactures and crafts.

He affirmed the five-year economic strategy, which is the result of the efforts of planning experts in all institutions, offices and ministries, will be permanently consulted with the national grassroots movements and organizations.

Villegas added this plan buries neoliberalism in Bolivia as it has a new concept of development, social inclusion, decentralization and social-community power.