In Bangladesh, 59 districts out of a total of 64 are affected by Arsenic contamination, and as per the latest statistics, up to 75 million of its population are at risk of developing Arsenic related diseases. The experts agree that the magnitude of the problem is enormous and is widely spread over the entire nation.

MAGC Technologies' objective from the outset was to make its solution available to all the affected areas in the shortest possible time, in the most efficient and cost effective manner. We recognized from the outset that to be effective, we would have to make our solutions available in every village in Bangladesh. In order to accomplish this objective, MAGC has formed strategic relationships with professional organizations with nationwide coverage that have local knowledge and operational experience at the village level.

In addition to the Government of Bangladesh, the only other organizations that are working at the grass root level, in every village in Bangladesh are the 2 major Non Government Organizations (NGO's), BRAC and Grameen. Both these organizations have helped and are continuing to help millions of rural residents in developing income generating projects through their nationwide micro credit program, and are respected and recognized world-wide. As part of their program, both BRAC and Grameen are already involved in identifying the problem and offering solutions for Arsenic free drinking water among its members in the affected areas under UNICEF funded projects.

BRAC

MAGC entered into a strategic alliance with BRAC in April 2000 for promoting Arsenic free drinking water in the effected areas. At that time BRAC was already working with UNICEF in the Sonargaon and Jhikorgacha. As per the arrangement, MAGC set up 2 field units under BRAC supervision to test the effectiveness of the solution, with an understanding that upon satisfactory performance, MAGC/Alcan's solutions would be made available nationwide through BRAC's network of offices.

Based on the successful performance of the first 2 units, we have supplied many more units to BRAC under their UNICEF funded project. Plans are underway to supply our technology to the new areas under the latest UNICEF program. In addition, to make our solution widely available, BRAC management has now agreed to offer our solution through its existing Micro credit program to its members, nationwide.

Grameen

Grameen has a dedicated department for Arsenic related issues, and MAGC has been working closely with the Arsenic Unit at Grameen. We have already supplied several units in various locations. Discussions are on going and preparations are underway to make our technology available in the Grameen areas under the latest UNICEF initiative. We are hoping to enter into a strategic agreement with Grameen to make our technology available nationwide among its members under their micro credit program.

India

MAGC continued its strategy of forming strong relationships with organizations (NGOs, Government institutions and businesses) in India that have nationwide reach and acceptance. With this network in place, we have successfully marketed MAGC units to various organizations and are continuing to explore additional markets.

SCHOOL OF FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH

The School of Fundamental Research (SFR) is an NGO, which is working in association with the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata, West Bengal on the project of arsenic contamination of water. It is one of the leading NGO's in West Bengal and has been chosen for setting up a Technology Park at Baruipur for installing community based arsenic removal systems. The technology park has been funded by the India-Canada Environment Facility and monitored jointly by All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health and SFR. At the technology park, all available technologies for arsenic treatment have been vigorously tested. Two units from each participant have been installed at this technology park. SFR is monitoring these units on a weekly basis and the first report will be made available to all the companies after the end of the first quarter.

EUREKA FORBES LIMITED