RARIEDA TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL

COLLAGE

INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT REPORT

JEREMIAH AKUNGU
PBL100/M23/011
SIBOWASCO

SUPERVISED BY: KENNEDY OCHIENG

PLUMBING

A REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMRNT OF

EQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF ARTISAN IN
PLUMBING

5TH MAY 2024 TO 5TH AUGUST 2024

DECLARATION
I declare that this field attachment report is a product of activities I carried out during my attachment and is
an original work and has not been submitted by any other student in this institution for academic publication
or any other purpose. And is the best of my knowledge based on my experience and observation at Asembo
scheme Company.
NAME: SIGNATURE:

………………………………………. ..……………..…………
DATE: ……………………….

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DEDICATION
I would wish to dedicate it to my lovely family members especially, to my dear parents for their daily
encouragement, inspiration and financial support throughout the attachment period. I also dedicate the
project to Asembo Scheme Company staffs who offered me support, encouragement and guidance on every
area I worked on and provided me assistance to acquire best knowledge and skills during the attachment
period

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ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First, I want to thank the Almighty God for bringing me this far. My appreciation goes to my parents for
their never-ending support during my attachment period.
I also want to thank my friends, attachment colleagues at SIBOWASCO for their enormous effort during my
activities done at the organization hence making my attachment a success.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION................................................................................................................................................1
DEDICATION...................................................................................................................................................2
ACKNOWLEDGMENT....................................................................................................................................3
ARBITRARY.....................................................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER ONE.................................................................................................................................................7
Organization Background...............................................................................................................................7
Responsibility.................................................................................................................................................7
Branches of SIBOWASCO............................................................................................................................7
SIBOWASCO Mission, Vision and Values...................................................................................................7
Mission:......................................................................................................................................................7
Vision:........................................................................................................................................................7
Core Values:...............................................................................................................................................7
Motto..........................................................................................................................................................7
Location......................................................................................................................................................7
Maintenance...............................................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER TWO................................................................................................................................................8
Attachment Coverage.....................................................................................................................................8
Metering Section............................................................................................................................................8
Waste and Wastewater Section......................................................................................................................8
a) Wastewater Distribution and Network System......................................................................................8
Sewer Network System..........................................................................................................................9
b) Waste Stabilization Ponds (Waste Stabilization Lagoons)....................................................................9
Pond Trimming/General Cleaning...........................................................................................................10
Advantages of Waste Stabilization Ponds............................................................................................10
Disadvantages Waste Stabilization Ponds............................................................................................10
Water Treatment Process and Water Quality...............................................................................................10
1. Raw Intake............................................................................................................................................10
2. Coagulation and Flocculation...............................................................................................................10
3. Flocculation..........................................................................................................................................11
4. Sedimentation.......................................................................................................................................11
5. Filtration...............................................................................................................................................11
6. Chlorination..........................................................................................................................................11
7. Pumping................................................................................................................................................12
Water Quality...............................................................................................................................................12
Laboratory Analysis.................................................................................................................................12
a) Residual Chlorine – RCl2.................................................................................................................12
b) Jar Test.............................................................................................................................................12
c) PH......................................................................................................................................................12

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CHAPTER THREE..........................................................................................................................................13
Skills and Experience...................................................................................................................................13
Skills Acquired.........................................................................................................................................13
Challenge......................................................................................................................................................13
Solution.........................................................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER FOUR............................................................................................................................................14
Findings........................................................................................................................................................14
Recommendation..........................................................................................................................................14
Conclusion....................................................................................................................................................14

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ARBITRARY
The aim of this field report is to provide the details of the institution of attachment, a description of all the
activities undertaken during the attachment period, the lessons learnt and challenges faced during the same .
The need to single out old water works to introduce new modern water technology has transformed the
water, sewerage and sanitation docket dramatically offering a steadily swelling flow of materials through
many channels and the goal to address the increasing need to have a diverse knowledge on plumbing
technology and customer services.
This project has contributed to deal with the above which has allowed me to acquire an expounded skills and
knowledge on water and sanitation.

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CHAPTER ONE
Organization Background

SIBOWASCO was established as a private limited liability guaranteed on 14th June 2006 under the
companies Act No. 17 of year 2015.

Responsibility
o Provide quality and economical water and sanitation services
o Bill for water and sanitation services and ensure timely collection
o Routinely maintain water and sanitation services infrastructure.

Branches of SIBOWASCO
1. Bondo Scheme
2. Asembo Scheme
3. Yala Scheme
4. Ugenya Scheme

SIBOWASCO Mission, Vision and Values

Mission:

o To develop an integrated SIBOWASCO work and provide efficient, safe service.

o To provide quality.

Vision:
To be the leader in the provision of water and sewage service in Kenya.

Core Values:
• Accountability
• Customer care
• Commitment
• Professionalism
• Integrity
• Team Work

Motto
Committed to observe absolute honest and integrity.

Location
Asembo Scheme is located at Asembo Bay (Kamito) in Rarieeda Sub County in East Asembo Ward.

Maintenance
Asembo Scheme maintain bust pipes, repair fittings, connection of pipes and water treatment.

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CHAPTER TWO
Attachment Coverage

My main activities at SIBOWASCO during my attachment period mainly include,

o Repairs of leaking broken pipes.
o installation of sink taps
o Replacement of the burst pipes.

Metering Section

Meter Reader- Is person who works in the field to reads residential, commercial and industrial water meters
to ensure they are paying the correct amount each month for their water consumption
It deals with;
- Billing
- Collecting and Documenting meter readings
- Connection, disconnection and reconnection of meter
- Inspecting meters
- Meter reading and interpretations
- Meter readings verification
- Meter Servicing and Maintenance
- Updating customer meters from time to time
Waste and Wastewater Section

Wastewater is simply part of the water supply to the community or to the industry which has been used for
different purposes and has been mixed with solids either suspended or dissolved. Wastewater is 99.9% water
and 0.1% solids
The main task in treating the wastewater is simply to remove most or all of this 0.1% of solids.
Wastewater is divided into two
a) Wastewater Network
b) Wastewater Treatment
a) Wastewater Distribution and Network System

It is the process by which wastewater from the customer, industries and sewages is distributed.
Unblocking of sewer manholes
- Unblocking- is the process by which wastewater and other solid materials are unblocked
from the manhole using iron rods and release them to the sewage network.
- Cleaning- is the process of removing solid matters, waste materials; plant tissues and
polythene bags from the manhole. - Sewer Line Connections
Sewer Network System

Activities:
• Line patrolling and scouting for blockages

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 • Manhole servicing
• Sewer unblocking/unclogging
• Scouting new connections
b) Waste Stabilization Ponds (Waste Stabilization Lagoons)

The main task in treating the wastewater is simply to remove most or all of solids harmful chemical
effluents.
Waste Stabilization Ponds (waste stabilization lagoons) are ponds designed and built for wastewater
treatment to reduce the organic content and remove pathogens from wastewater.
The Stabilization Ponds are usually the most appropriate method for municipal and industrial wastewater
treatment.
This process includes
o Primary Pond
o Secondary Pond
o Tertiary Pond
o Pond Cleaning
1. Primary Pond
This involves physical removal of grit and solid waste materials where a screen (fine and course) is
provided. Some materials such as plastics, clothes and others are burned in an open area.
We have sedimentation basin which aids in the settlement of solid waste at the pond. They are designed for
Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal they appear to be dark green in colour which is presences of
Algae.
2. Secondary Pond
Secondary treatment of wastewater works on a deeper level than primary and is deigned to sustainability
degrade the biological content of the waste through aerobic biological processes. These involves the
condition that supports wastewater treatment process to occur.
These includes large surface area to volume ratio, free oxygen circulation, and sunlight.
Water enters the tertiary stage through aeration chambers this is because it increases the amount of
Dissolved Oxygen, also at this stage odor is minimal.
3. Tertiary Pond
The aim of this treatment is to raise the quality of the water to meet specific requirement around the safe
discharge of water. It involves the removal of pathogens. Some activities are done here namely; lab testing
to check whether the water is still contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria and harmful chemicals or is it
safe to support life. This done by introducing a living species (fish commonly used) to taste if the water is
suitable to the environment.
a) Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD)- Amount of oxygen needed to biologically breakdown organic
matter from waste water in the process of decomposition by
Aerobic Bacteria
b) Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) – Amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic
and inorganic nutrients such as Ammonia or Nitrate, present in waste water.
c) Dissolved Oxygen (DO) - Is the volume of oxygen dissolved in water.
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Pond Trimming/General Cleaning

It involves removing of solid materials, cutting grasses and other plant vegetation around the ponds.

Advantages of Waste Stabilization Ponds

1. Simplicity in design and construction
2. Low production of biological sludge
3. Low capital, operation and maintenance cost
4. High treatment efficiency if properly designed
Disadvantages Waste Stabilization Ponds
1. Large land requirement for the ponds
2. Mosquitoes and other insects can breed if vegetation is not controlled
3. If not designed properly may cause bad smell or odour.

Water Treatment Process and Water Quality

1. Raw Intake

Water from Lake is pumped from the sump in the Raw Water Pump House using submersible pump. Raw
Water is collected from the Lake Victoria.
There are types of screens at the entry point;
 Coarse screen- used to remove large solids and debris
 Fine screen- used to remove small particles or debris
The pumped raw water is sent to the stilling well. The stilling well is used to provide easy flow into the
Treatment Works. From the stilling well, the raw water flows into the dosing channel. The dosing channel is
for dosing raw water with Aluminum Sulphate or Soda Ash, and flush mixing with the chemicals.

2. Coagulation and Flocculation

Coagulation- This is the adding of chemicals in water to bring non-settling particles into larger particles,
heavier masses of solids called flocs. The chemical added are called Coagulants.
The aluminum Sulphate solution is added to water molecules to form a complex with aluminum iron and can
change with effectiveness of coagulation and the Optimum PH which occurs in coagulation channel.
Dosing of Alum is a carried out just after the stilling well. Alum is obtained in solid form; the alum is
dissolved in the water tanks to form a solution required to treat the incoming raw water. Gravity dozers are
provided for regulating flow of mixed chemicals to the dosing point at the dosing channel.

3. Flocculation

This is a water treatment process where solids from flocs are removed from water. This process can happen
with the help of a chemical agent known as coagulants.

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Chemicals (Coagulants) are added to the water to bring non settling particles together into larger, heavier
masses of solids called flocs. Aluminum Sulphate (Alum) is the most common coagulant used to water
purification.
Floc is a small, loosely aggregated mass of flocculent material suspended in or precipated from a liquid.
The larger the particles, or flocs are heavy are quick to settle to the bottom. The process is called
Sedimentation

4. Sedimentation

From the flocculated water channel, the water enters two flow sedimentation tanks.
Sedimentation is a physical water treatment process using gravity to remove suspended solids from water.
The large particles are heavy and large to quickly settle at the bottom and it is achieved in sedimentation
basin where particles are settled to remain with water at the top. The particles that settle out from the
suspension become sediments, and in water treatment in known as sludge.
Pipes are provided for periodic draw-off of sludge from the tanks. Pipes act under the hydrostatic pressure in
the tanks to discharge the accumulated sludge draw-off chamber, which drains the sludge in to the river.
Desludging- Is the removal of relatively large particles of suspended maters from water, it is achieved in
sedimentation basin where particles are settled to remain with water.

5. Filtration

This the second step in convectional water treatment system where, water from the decanting troughs in the
Sedimentation Tanks is the discharged in to the Settling Water Channel. Filtered water is collected in a
central channel under drainage at the bottom, is made of open graft basin which is filled with clean coarse
sand with varying sizes of pores and which is backwashed with a certain period of time, when the cloudiness
or cleanliness of the water is too high. The clean water is collected for chlorination process for stabilization.
Backwashing: This is the pumping of water backwards or reversing and increasing the water’s flow to flush
out accumulated debris and particles through the sand filter beds.
* When the filter’s pores become clogged, they need to be cleaned, through backwash.
Blower: This is an equipment that increases the velocity of air when it is passed through equipped impellers,
during backwashing of filters.

6. Chlorination

This is the process of adding chlorine or chlorine compounds such as Sodium Hypochlorite to water in
order to kill organisms/micro-organisms that may cause an infection. Gravity Dozers are used to regulate the
flow of Hypochlorite Solution for dosing. Chlorine dosing channels directly and discharges water to the
clear water tank.

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7. Pumping

Pumping house is provided just after the clear water tank. There are six
pumps at the house;
 Four Antifungal pumps (High Lift pumps 1, 2, 3, & 4) which pumps water to Storage Reservoirs.
 Two centrifugal pumps (Backwash pumps 1 & 2) which pumps water to the elevated Water Tank at
the T/Works, which is used for backwashing process and domestic use within the station.

Water Quality

Water Quality is defined as “the combined effect of the physical attributes and chemical constituents of a
sample of water on a particular user”.
Water quality is an important parameter touching on all aspects of ecosystems and human well-being such
as; health of a community, economic activities, ecosystem health and biodiversity. Therefore, water quality
is influential in determining human poverty, wealth and educational levels.

Laboratory Analysis

a) Residual Chlorine – RCl2

Chlorine is widely used to disinfect drinking water as the final step in the water treatment process.
Chemical disinfection using chlorine allows a residual amount of chlorine to remain in the water to
provide some protection against subsequent contamination. The range of residual chlorine is 0.4 to
1.2

b) Jar Test
Is used to measure the amount of dosage required to inject to the raw water for treatment process.

c) PH
The PH scale runs from 1 to 14, wherein PH 1 to 6 refers to acidic PH, while PH 8 to 14 refers to basic
PH. At PH 7, a chemical is known to be neutral. The PH of water is neutral.
The lab equipment used to measure P H is called Colorimeter. Phenol Red Solution or Phenol Red
Tablets is the indicator used to determine the acidic and alkalinity of water. The range should lie
between 6.5 and 8.5.

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CHAPTER THREE
Skills and Experience

Skills Acquired
During the three-month period I managed to acquire several skills which are pertinent to a water technician
in the competitive water and sanitation industry. For one to be able to execute some of the assignment
perfectly they must be able to learn some of these skills
1. Able to quote and to new clients who wants new water connections
2. Chain of communication from the lower to higher ranks of managerial
3. How to handle, operate and clean various tools and equipment
4. How to operate pumps (High Lift and Low Lift Pumps) at the T/Works
5. Illustrate good code of conduct at the respective departments
6. Know how to unclog and unblocking of sewer manholes
7. Know types of pipe fittings from main water pipe to the domestic/commercial use pipe
8. Performing daily water meter readings
9. Reading and interpreting billing at the meter reading department
10. To know to record daily tasks and activities at the T/Works
11. Water Quality Control at the water T/Works
Challenge
As a young aspiring water technician, full of energy and the urge to adventure, my stay at the SIBOWASCO
did not go short of challenges.
1. Change in technology (WhatsApp, Facebook, twitter)
2. Inadequate training equipment
3. Lack of enough funds or finance
4. Lack of good and habitable accommodation
5. Lack of protective gears (Gumboots, Overalls, Gloves, Gas Masks, Lab Coats)
6. Poor communication
7. Poor time management
8. Power instability
9. Sickness
10. Un-cooperative mentor
Solution
Challenges just like any other day are things to be overcome. Having in mind that I have to cut a niche for
myself in the profession, I knew what I wanted and I had to go for it. I had to fight tooth and nail to ensure
that my professionalism is not compromised by doing the following;
1. Backup generators must be used
2. Improving on communication skills
3. Introduction to advanced training equipment
4. Introduction to new modern technology (WhatsApp Groups)
5. Provision of medical and insurance cover
6. Purchasing of proper protective gears at my own expense
7. Searched or enquired information from skilled or semi-skilled mentor

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CHAPTER FOUR
Findings

1) Inappropriate system design

2) Lack of adequate finance to run the company
3) Lack of important facility by the community
4) Lack of operational manual
5) Lack of performance evolution and regular monitoring
6) Lack of real time filled information
7) Multiplicity of agencies overlapping responsibility
Recommendation

To provide customer within the cluster with safe and clean drinking water in adequate quality at adequate
pressure at convenient location and time economically as possible as sustainable basis.
The idea to have the field attachment at the end of third year of studies was good as it gives students
opportunity to adjust in their field of study while on their last academic year. However, it has also presented
numerous challenges to students who extremely perform well at their industrial attachment places and the
companies would like to retain them.
In my opinion, it would be in order if the department will review when students go for their attachment with
the view of having it at the end of study year.
Lastly, the Plumbing Department should find means of assisting students in the department in securing
attachment places especially those pursuing plumbing. This is because of the competitive nature of the water
and sanitation industry.

Conclusion

I take this golden chance to thank the administration for their acceptance.
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation and Siaya County Government through the SIBOWASCO provides a
good background for future dissemination of water, sewage and sanitation services to the community.
It also provides a chance for training young, energetic water technicians to practice their skills by giving
them full opportunity and a better background to water work as water technicians and operators.

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