The new pdvsa role in figth against poverty and social exclusion in Venezuela

Abstract

This paper analyzes the active role played by Petróleos de Venezuela SA (PDVSA, the main strategic State enterprise), since 2003, when it became directly controlled by the bolivarian government, as an entity promoter, financier and implementer of diverse social programs and projects, together with the communal power, aimed to combat poverty and exclusion in the country. So, PDVSA plays unpublished social functions and therefore a new historical role, as part of its responsibility for the development of the endogenous-socialist model. The objective of this work is to discern some achievements and limitations of this intervention (until 2011), through two social development projects executed by PDVSA-West (Maracaibo Lake and East Coast) in two communities of extreme poverty of Maracaibo and Lagunillas Municipalities, traditional oil region, in Zulia State, Venezuela. It builds on the perception of the involved actors, both, the company and communities. A literature review is made, especially the legislation that prescribes that new role to PDVSA; and a field work in a qualitative ethnographic research, using the case study method, direct observation and semi-structured in-depth interviews to key informants: social development managers and project coordinators; spokesmen communal councils and direct beneficiaries. According to the informants, the social role of PDVSA has been an instrumental in improving the living conditions, although it´s not enough to eradicate poverty; the beneficiaries feel included and have positive expectations for the future, however they allow limitations as delayed projects, weak industry-community communication, low participation of the community and lack of social control.