The Asia Arsenic Network (AAN) has devoted itself to supply arsenic-safe water and ensure community development for healthy living to the rural population of Bangladesh . AAN has been working on this issue for the last ten years since 199 7 . At present 30 Bangladeshi (10 paid persons and 20 volunteers) are engaged in the noble service at AAN. We can proudly say that over the past several years we have developed our knowledge and skills for arsenic mitigation from motivational work for community participation to installation of various safe water options and arsenicosis patients' management.
In view of the arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh which we will have to live with for many decades to come, we, the Bangladeshi staff of AAN, feel the need of having a permanent place to expand our integrated and sustainable arsenic mitigation activities and to share our experience and expertise with other s take holders through trainings, workshops, seminars and conferences as well as through internet and publications. The permanent place will be equipped with a modern laboratory, among others, to conduct water quality testing for monitoring, researches, and development of various alternative safe water devices, which will generate income to run the office.
Tentatively, we gave a name of “Arsenic Centre” to the permanent office of AAN for arsenic mitigation. Our dream is vast and wide, and we hope the “Arsenic Centre” will grow as the cent re for all sorts of arsenic-related issues in whole Asia where everybody can get an answer to his/her problems. For this p urpose , AAN already purchased a piece of land in Arabpur union of Jessore Sadar upazila, with the contributions from AAN staff and well-wishers. The land is 19.41 k atha or approx imately 1 , 298m 2 in area . AAN has planned to construct a three- stor y Arsenic Centre building , accommodating a laboratory, a medical consultation unit, a training hall, and guest rooms for trainees from home and abroad in addition to normal office spaces.
AAN Japan has promised to contribute Tk. 40,00,000 (Taka Four million) towards the construction cost, and we desperately need more fund to establish Arsenic Centre. We would be most grateful to you and most pleased if you would assist us to complete our dream with your donation s of any amount. Your kind cooperation will be of a great help and a certain step toward the establishment of an “Arsenic Centre” for the people living in arsenic-affected areas in Bangladesh and in Asia .
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