BOLIVIA DECLARES NATIONAL STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO PROLONGED DROUGHT|玻國乾旱緊急狀態 農牧重創人口外移

Bolivia declared a national state of emergency on November 21 after a prolonged drought decimated crop harvests and cattle, affecting more than 177,000 families across the country. Many of those affected by the drought have left the country for neighboring Peru, but those who stayed behind in capital La Paz, are coming up with creative ways to handle the water shortage. Here's our report. Thousands turned out to protest on November 29 against the government for its management of Bolivia's worst drought in 25 years. Critics say water shortages caused by the drought have been worsened by booming population growth in cities, poor infrastructure and the impact of big agricultural plantations and mining projects. Bolivia's government declared a state of emergency on November 21, making funds available to alleviate a crisis that has affected families and the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, many say they are still struggling with dirty water. ==MARION MACEDO, Drought Victim == The water is very contaminated. It is full of contaminants despite the government saying it's ok to drink. Local restaurants in La Paz are making adjustments quickly. In one Cafe, chef David Dickler is recycling water for washing and carefully using the small bit of mineral water he has for cooking. ==DAVID DICKLER, Bolivian Chef== It's only for cleaning, and at the end, we finish up using mineral water to cook because it's the only water that guarantees quality and the hygiene we need to prepare food. Most eateries have closed their bathroom facilities to the public due to the water shortage. But the drought hasn't been hurting business. ==ROSARIO MAMANI, Chef at People's Restaurant== They're coming for lunch precisely because of the water shortage, and there are many people who come to buy food with pots for the whole family. Meanwhile, La Paz residents are also coming up with creative ways to handle the shortage. Many are improvising faucets and showers out of bottled water. ==MARCELO CONTRERAS, Drought Victim == I can take a shower with a little more than half of the plastic bottle, some 1.6 litters probably Some have even left the country for neighboring Peru like Lisbeth Vogensen, an expat from Denmark. Lisbeth and her husband decided to leave Bolivia when they realized the situation was in complete dire straits. Bolivia's water regulation authority claimed that the current water crisis was not expected to normalize for over a year, and would likely extend into 2018. TRANSLATED BY：JESSICA OY