Chilean govt to introduce US$169M national drought plan
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has responded to grower concerns with the announcement of a new drought action plan today, which will have a national scope with a budget of CLP105 billion (US$168.8 million). 
The construction and renovation of dams is just one of the actions to be included in the initiative, which will also provide support to growers, the installation of micro-desalting plants, and rainwater harvesting for 6,500 households
"The situation is critical. Right now there are 194 districts that have been declared as Agricultural Emergency Zones," Bachelet said, adding that "the lack of water is felt in agriculture, livestock, and also for human consumption".
"It therefore has a direct impact on people and affects employment, the production of crops, and forage production to feed livestock."
"There is no development nor quality of life without the efficient and sustainable use of water."
She said that securing water for Chile was securing the nation's future.
"That's why we have to act decisively and consistently. We have to treat the supply and use of water as a State policy and a national objective."
Desalinization plants are set to be built in Copiapó, Petorca, La Ligua, the Choapa Basin and the Limari Basin, while 19 dams are set to be built by 2024.
The micro-desalting plants are slated fo the Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Maule and Bío Bío regions, while the rehabilitation and construction of small reservoirs will be implemented by 2017.
"We are taking on this decision and will redouble our efforts with just one goal; ensuring water for Chile and its people, in the short, medium and long-term," Bachelet said.
"We are going to address the water shortage in all parts of the country, keeping in mind the geographic, climatic, productive and human reality in each case-
"This effort cannot just be from the State. It has to be a commitment from every one of us, the citizens and the private sector. It is a task for the whole country and is part of our commitment to the new generations."
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