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"Today's mission is vital for the health and development of the nation. And it comes directly on orders from the commander-in-chief," a colonel tells his troops. According to the latest BBC report, The Venezuelan army is being dispersed across the country to enter residences and businesses to swap out old light bulbs with new, more energy-efficient bulbs.
Image: BBC
Unloading the low-energy bulbs into their knapsacks, the troops have been joined by volunteers from the local community council - pro-government teams set up under President Hugo Chavez.
These small groups of red-clad Chavez supporters and soldiers in green uniforms, referred to as "civic-military partnerships", are heading into San Augustin, one of the city's roughest parts.
"I've been doing this for a month," says Miriam Parra de Gonzalez, an activist with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
"People have reacted well on the doorsteps because it saves them money. The incandescent light bulbs wear out more quickly and these ones use less energy, so they last longer," she says.
"Plus we're giving them away for free!"
But then again, who am I to talk? I'm an American and our old light bulbs are being phased out by government mandate starting next year.
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