NAVAKHOLO TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTE

ATTACHMENT REPORT ON WATER ENGINEERING AT NZOIA WATER

SERVICE COMPANY-WEBUYE

NAME: VITALIS OMBASI

ADMISION NO: 0390

COURSE: PLUMBING ARTISAN CERTIFICATE

SUPERVISOR: JOSEPH MUCHWENGE

ATTACHMENT PERIOD: 5TH JAN. TO 31ST MAR. 2023

DECLARATION

I VITALIS OMBASI declare that this is my original work and has never been presented to

any institution without my consent.

ATTACHEES NAME: VITALIS OMBASI

SIGNATURE……………………………….DATE……………………..

PLACE OF ATTACHMENT

SUPERVISORS NAME………………………………………………….

SIGNATURE………………………………DATE…………………………

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER

NZOIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY

NAME:…………………………………………………………………………………..

SIGNATURE……………………..……DATE………………………………………..

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DEDICATION

I dedicate this attachment to my dad Mr. Henry Lwamire who has been aiding my attachment

process financially and my mum Justine Nekesa for hosting me and taking me as their own

son during this three months process, without forgetting the entire Nzowasco fraternity for

giving me chance to experience a remarkable training sessions since day one up to the last

day as one of their member of the company.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I thank the Lord God Almighty for the divine protection, provision and a fruitful opportunity

to learn and interact peacefully at Nzoia Water and Service Company

I would like to thank my mum and dad for giving me the resources necessary that have made

me come through the attachment period successful,

I would like to thank the whole technical team of NZOWASCO for their willingness to help

me gain knowledge in various departments.

Many thanks goes to all students who cooperated with me at all levels. Above all I thank

God for his unconditional favours for me.

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ABSTRACT

This report contains details of the activities, achievements, challenges and strengths I

developed throughout my entire attachment period of three months at the Nzoia Water and

Service Company (NZOWASCO). This report also gives information about NZOWASCO,

the experience I gained and the personal skills I developed out of the industrial attachment.

This report shows the benefits and challenges that I encountered and how I was able to

overcome them. It as well shows my conclusion, importance of my industrial attachment and

my recommendations.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION...................................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION......................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................................iv
ABSTRACT..........................................................................................................................................v
CHAPTER ONE....................................................................................................................................1
1.0 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................1
1.1 HISTORY OF NZOWASCO......................................................................................................1
1.2 MAIN FUNCTIONS/ CORE ACTIVITIES OF NZOWASCO...................................................1
The NZOWASCO mandate is to provide effective, adequate and safe water and sewerage services
to all customers within the region of its operation.............................................................................1
1.3 VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES................................................................................1
1.4 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF NZOWASCO/ MANAGEMENT SYSTEM...................2
...........................................................................................................................................................2
1.5 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF KEY PERSONNEL IN NZOWASCO.......................3
Managing director.............................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO...................................................................................................................................7
2.0 HOST ATTACHMENT DEPARTMENT...................................................................................7
2.1 Key functions/ activities of the department..................................................................................7
2.2. STAFF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT.............................................................7
2.3. STUDENT’S MAIN OBJECTIVES FOR THE ATTACHMENT EXERCISE..........................7
2.4. ATTACHÉ’S ASSIGNED ROUTINE DUTIES AND DEPARTMENT’S PARTICIPATION
FORUMS..........................................................................................................................................7
2.5 ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING FIELD ATTACHMENT...........................................8
2.5.1.Water Treatment And Production work, Chemical preparation, Aluminum SulpHate (alum)
.......................................................................................................................................................8
2.5.2.Water treatment process........................................................................................................8
2.5.3 Lab Test................................................................................................................................9
2.5.4. Operation & maintenance/ metering..................................................................................13
2.5.5 Waste Water.......................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER THREE.............................................................................................................................14
3.1 LESSONS EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS.................................................................................14
3.2 CHALLENGES, ISSUE ANALYSIS AND LIMITATION......................................................15
3.3 IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT EXERCISE...........................................15
CHAPTER FOUR...............................................................................................................................16

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 4.1. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS......................................................................16
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................................17

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 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 HISTORY OF NZOWASCO

Nzoia Water And Service Company was established under the companies Act (CAP/486)
on 4th February 2004 with the mandate to provide clean water and sanitation services to
Kitale,Bungoma,Webuye and Kimilili,
The presence of Nzoia Water Services Company has been of great impact in the Town of
Webuye and its people. This is because of services it renders and the role that it plays.

1.2 MAIN FUNCTIONS/ CORE ACTIVITIES OF NZOWASCO

The NZOWASCO mandate is to provide effective, adequate and safe water and sewerage
services to all customers within the region of its operation.

1.3 VISION, MISSION AND CORE VALUES

Vision

 To provide adequate portable water and sanitation services efficiently, economical

and in a sustainable manner to all consumers in the Nzoia Chester Region.

Mission

 To be the model water service provider in the Africa Region.

Core values

 Observe professional ethics and uphold integrity at all times

 Improve staff skills to enhance performance and service deliveries
 Exercise prudence in the use of public resources for maximum benefits
 Being tenacious and professional in perusing mission
 Encourage and respect team work including the right of other staff members
 Being responsible, sensitive and attentive when delivering with member of the board

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1.4 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE OF NZOWASCO/ MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MANAGING DIRECTOR

FINANCE RESERCH HUMAN COMMERCIAL

TECHNICAL
MANAGER MANAGER RESOURCE MANAGERR
MANAGER
MANAGER

REGIONAL
MANAGER

KIMILILI BUNGOMA
KITALE
WEBUYE CHWELE

TECHNICAL
OPERATOR

O&M SUPERVISOR WASTE WATER PRODUCTION

SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR

DEPUTY DEPUTY
DEPUTY SUPERVISOR
SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR

ATTACHIE ATTACHIE
ATTACHIE

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Fig 1: Organization Structure of NZOWASCO/ Management System

1.5 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF KEY PERSONNEL IN NZOWASCO

Managing director
He is responsible

For planning, organizing and administering company’s affairs including determining number
of departments and their functional responsibility, staff, determining staffing levels and
salaries, allocating resources and coordinating activities among the various departments.

Providing organizational strategic leadership by directing establishment of short term and

long term organizational goals within the broad policy directive of the board and the
formulation of appropriate policies and programs to ensure their attainment

Preparing and recommending for approval annual operating and capital improvement budget
by compiling individual department budgets, analyzing future needs, estimating resource
requirements and determining appropriate allocation of resources.

Making regular reports to the Board of Directors on actual performance of the company
compared with approved targets and budgets, and formulate recommendations for
discrepancies to be corrected.

Ensuring effective and efficient management of the company, direct activities of

Departmental Managers which includes delegating authority, assigning and reviewing work,
providing assistance, evaluating performance, administering discipline, making hiring,
termination, promotion and pay rate change determinations.

Representing the company at national, international, government and community levels in

matters of mutual concern, coordinate activities to ensure the company’s best interest is being
served and engaging with external partners for purposes of strategic partnership.

Coordinating company activities by preparing meetings and workshop agendas, preparing

and reviewing of all staff recommendation, advising and assisting in setting and evaluating
policy goals, and justifying company policies and actions to stakeholders.

Assessing community needs and ensure effective implementation of corporate social

responsibility programs.

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Commercial & Finance Manager

Responsible for:

Developing and implementing departmental strategies and plans that facilitate achievement of
company objectives.

Continuously developing, reviewing and enforcing the financial policies, procedures and
internal controls that are in line with IFRS.

Optimizing billings and revenue collection while reducing commercial losses to ensure
financial sustainability

Managing departmental staff performance, development, training and motivation for effective
performance

Supporting line managers in developing their budgets, continuously sensitizing and training
them to attain and maintain a commercial attitude to company operations while delivering
services with customer satisfaction.

Developing and enforcing customer service standards cascaded from the service charter so as
regain and retain customer confidence.

Prepare statutory, management and other reports as required by the various stakeholders.

Technical services manager

Responsible for:

Develop departmental policies, plans, strategies and action plans that are aligned to the
overall company mission and objectives.

Provide high quality water to domestic, commercial and industrial customers.

Ensure cost effective treatment and disposal of sewerage.

Manage maintenance and repairs, installation and replacement of plant, machinery and other
equipment, maximizing return on capital investment.

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Prepare comprehensive departmental reports, including engineering budgets, technical audit
reports etc. to facilitate decision making.

Manage departmental staff performance, development, training and motivation for effective
performance.

Human Resource & Administration Manager

Responsible for:

Formulating, enforcing and regularly updating the human resource and administrative
policies including terms and conditions of service and staff welfare

Supporting the organization with manpower planning and participating in the recruitment,
selection and placement activities and ensuring employees are properly oriented on joining
NZOWASCO

Effective managing the staff welfare including medical, pension and other benefits and
ensuring cost effectiveness and overall efficiency

Manage employee relations throughout the organization including union matters, grievance
handling and staff motivation programs.

Training the line managers and supervisors on labor and human resources management issues
and providing advisory services as and when required

Supporting the performance management process by continuously updating job descriptions

and coordinating the appraisal process as well as training and development

Managing departmental staff performance, development, training and motivation for

effectiveness

Internal Auditor

Develop and continuously review an internal audit manual and enforce compliance with
standards acceptance to the external auditors.

Develop and implement internal audit, strategies and operating plans that reflect the longer-
term corporate goals and priorities established by the company.

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Work closely with external auditors, agreeing on the time frames for the annual statutory
audit, pre-audit activities, and on the implementation of audit recommendations.

Regularly carry out detailed risk assessment and internal audits on computer and other
operating systems to ensure reliability and integrity of financial and operating information,
advising the Board and Management on appropriate action.

Ensure that all fixed and current assets are accounted for on a regular basis through regular
checks, including physical counts.

Manage departmental staff performance, development, training and motivation for

effectiveness.

Carry out special investigations on apparent breaches of internal controls, fraud, etc and
making recommendations to eliminate identified weaknesses.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 HOST ATTACHMENT DEPARTMENT

I was attached at WEBUYE (NZOWASCO) a regional office situated at Webuye town

2.1 Key functions/ activities of the department

The main function of the supply department is to provide effective, adequate and safe water
to our customers.

2.2. STAFF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT

The plant has one area manager Mr. Isaac Simiyu whose mandate is to supervise all activities
in the firm as well as the welfare of the other employees.

Among the other employees are two water operators who carry out the water treatment
process to meet the department’s core mandate.

The department also has more than two meter readers who are responsible for carrying out
meter readings from consumers for billing.

The plant has one technician who carries out the water quality standards to acertain that the
water is safe for consumption.

Lastly the department also has two operation supervisors and maintenance employees
responsible for repairs of water pipe leakages, maintenance of water lines, reconnection of
water as well as carry out new installations

2.3. STUDENT’S MAIN OBJECTIVES FOR THE ATTACHMENT EXERCISE.

My main objective was to get field exposure so as to integrate course work with the real job
environment.

This was also an opportunity to mingle with new staff and learn what is expected as well as
get new ideas regarding the job market.

2.4. ATTACHÉ’S ASSIGNED ROUTINE DUTIES AND DEPARTMENT’S

PARTICIPATION FORUMS.
I was stationed at the department to employ my acquired course knowledge in carrying out
the assigned duties and responsibilities. Among the areas I participated include; water
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treatment and production work, pipe fitting under operation and maintenance, Metering:
installing and dismantling water meters, taking meter readings and servicing of meters,
sewerage operations.

2.5 ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DURING FIELD ATTACHMENT.

2.5.1.Water Treatment And Production work, Chemical preparation, Aluminum

SulpHate (alum) .
The above chemical is prepared by dissolving the pellets in water (usually treated water).
For alum we usually add 100Kg to 10000L volume of water.

2.5.2.Water treatment process

I went through the water treatment process. This included the following:
(i) Receiving end
Here we receive the raw water from River Nzoia for treatment. The raw water usually has
very high turbidity due to suspended solutes. The larger solutes are eliminated at the
source by use of screens of metal. The remaining solutes flow along with the raw water to
the receiving basins in the treatment section
(ii)Coagulation/ Flocculation
Here, the raw water treatment is done by adding the coagulant alum (Aluminum Sulphate)
using dozers connected to the Aluminum tanks.
At the same time sodium carbonate can also be added in defined dosage to boost the
effectiveness of alum at high turbidity. The sodium carbonate also does conditioning of
the water.
(i) Sedimentation
The suspended particles in raw water coagulate and form flocs in the flocculation
chamber. The raw water then flows into sedimentation tanks where the suspended flocs
further join each other to form sediments which later sink below the water due to their
density forming sludge at the base of the sedimentation tanks while the water flows to the
next stage.

(iii) Decantation
The suspended flocs that did not form sediments in the sedimentation tanks flow in water
to the decantation basins. Here the flocs get attracted to the walls and base of the
decanting plates. The water then flows further to the filtration tanks.

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 (iv) Filtration
Here any particle that might have remained in the water remains in the filter media letting
only clean water to flow to the clean water storage tanks.
The filter tanks are arranged in layers of large stones, followed by coarse sand and then
fine sand at the top for efficient filtration of water. The filters are as well fitted with
micro-millimeter nozzles that ensure only water molecules go through ensuring efficient
filtration of the water.
(v) Storage
After filtration the water flows by gravity to the storage tank where disinfection takes
place before the water can reach the consumers for use.
Disinfection/Chlorination
Water is disinfected using chlorine in the form of calcium hypochlorite solution. This
ensures that the water is safe from such bacteria as the E Coli bacteria that result from
water contamination as it flows to the treatment plant. The water sample is then taken to
the laboratory to ascertain its safety for use by the final consumers.
Types of chlorination
Normal chlorination
 The initial disinfection of water at the treatment plant.

Super chlorination

 This is a disinfection process that is done at the field where clean water comes in
contact with raw sewage, mad or any other impurities, this is to kill any
microorganism likely bacteria causing diseases.
Here now the water is pumped using electric generators to the top of the hill were
the water is distributed to NZOWASCO consumers by gravity

2.5.3 Lab Test

Lab test is done to determine the Turbity of water and PH, where the clarity of water
should be zero and the alkalinity and basity of water should be neutral for safe human
consumption, the residual chlorine test is also done so as its percentage should be from
0.5 up to 1.0 at production level and 0.2 to 0.4 at the consumer level
Effects of excess chlorine
 Blindness
 Miscarriages to expectant mothers
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  Cancer
Backwashing process

Backwashing is the process of washing filter media once its clogged .PROCEDURE
FOR BACKWASHING

Step Action

1 Log length of filter run since last backwash

2 Log filter loss of head (L.O.H.)

3 Close filter inflow valve (V- 1)

4 Allow filter to drain to correct backwashing level

5 Close filter outflow valve (V-5)

6 Open drain valve(V-4)

7 Open air scour valve (V-7)

8 Start air blower(s)

9 Run air scour for pre-determined period

10 Open backwash valve (V-3)

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11 Start wash water pump(s) at low rate

12 Run low rate wash for pre-determined period

13 Stop air blower(s)

14 Close air scour valve (V-7)

15 Open surface wash valve(V-2) (optional)

16 Increase wash rate to High Rate Wash

17 Run High Rate and surface wash (optional) for pre-determined period

18 When wash water going to drain becomes clear:

• Close drain valve (V-4)

• Allow filter to refill

19 Once filter is refilled, put into service by:

• Stopping wash water pump(s)

• Closing backwash valve (V-3)

• Closing surface wash valve (V-2) (optional)

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• Opening filter inlet valve (V-i)

• Opening filter outlet valve (V-5)

20 Log duration of each part of wash and water volumes used

21 Loss of head at commencement of service run

2.5.4. Operation & maintenance/ metering

I. Installations

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 Installation of new meters, all types and sizes of water pipes. Here, I also took part in

connecting of water to customers. I also learnt along on the functions and working

principles of tools and equipment’s such as; pipe wrenches, spanners, pliers, hacksaw,

spade, jembe and others.

II. Repairs

This task involved; repairing all types and kinds of water pipe faults, on-functioning

meters and leakages.

III. Replacing

This involved the exchanging the old or defective meters and valves along water lines and

in customers' homes.

All the above account for the water quality standards learnt in one of my course units in

my pure

Carrying out the above tasks has made me appreciate the theoretical knowledge gained in

class to the real world application of the pure plumbing course. Exposure to the real

analysis of water has also given me a clear face of the learnt plumbing since most of the

tools are provided by the company.

2.5.5 Waste Water

During waste water (sewerage) I was able to learn how one can unblock sewer lines

using steel Rods provided by the company, was able also to do disilting process in the

manholes to allow ample passage of waste water.

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 CHAPTER THREE

3.1 LESSONS EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Through the industrial attachment I have had great fun having exposure to several pipes and

fittings which were not in our college workshop. Carrying out repairs, installations and water

connections was all fun and enjoyable.

It was a pleasure learning that one can repair, service and fix water meters, sluice valves and

gate valves by using the recommended tools and equipment’s such as jembe, spade, pipe

wrench, hacksaw and spanners.

I also learnt on how to make double sockets, single sockets and how to fix them. All this were

not covered in our course.

As part of exposure I also happened to learn on how to do filter washing once they are filled

with sludge as well as desludging the sedimentation tanks as well as controlling the inflow

and outflow of water at the supply.

It was a pleasure working with the (NZOWASCO) staff since they usually give all round

guidance on job opportunities that are available.

Types of fittings learned

 Reducers- these are used to reduce large pipe fittings to small ones according to
favorable inches of pipe one wishes to work with.
 Unions- used for joining or connecting same sizes of pipe whose length needs to
be adjusted also makes it easy for disconnection.
 Elbows- type of joints that changes direction of the laid pipe either to a vertical
plane or 45 degrees.
 Socket-for connection of the same size of pipe.
 Tee-for connecting new lines from the main line.
 Saddle clump-used for connecting water for new consumers from the main line.

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3.2 CHALLENGES, ISSUE ANALYSIS AND LIMITATION
Among the challenges I encountered during my attachment period includes as follows;

Long distance- the journey to and from the production was too long rocky and hilly it could
always force me to wake up early so that I arrive on time.

Weather condition- heavy rains really affected the working hours. But due to determination, I
had to work in such condition.

Due to sickness I was forced to skip some few days of work to attend treatment which I was
diagnosed with malaria and typhoid luckily I was treated and resumed with my attachment
process.

Despite all these I was able to carry out my industrial attachment exercise by developing new
ideas such as to carry out all the routine activities accurately.

3.3 IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL ATTACHMENT EXERCISE

Through the industrial attachment I was able to put into practice all that I learnt in lectures in
the college and was able to have a good understanding of the ideas more precisely.

The attachment enabled me to assess interests in the field hence developed a clear picture of
what is expected in the job market. This was achieved through interacting with the company
employees who freely shared ideas and advice to me.

The attachment strengthens linkages between the college and other institutions. This
enhances learning process to be more effective since the students get a clear image of what
happens in the job situation.

Through the attachment I developed integrity on punctuality. This was as a result of strictness
from the company’s management as well as carrying out the required routine in time to
submit the report to the supervisor.

Through the attachment I developed a new look of what a pure water technology student can
do in the job market such as installation, connection and many more.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Commuting on foot during daily activities and carrying working equipment’s was another

Drawback, this limited the company’s effectiveness to deliver. This led some of us to use our

own means for quick response to places which needed urgent response. This came about

when the company means of transport was under service, Hence the company should At least

provide transport for such cases.

The company should also provide attaches with T shirts for easy identification as

NZOWASCO students, this also brings about a sense of belonging and will also serve as

motivation to the attaches.

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 REFERENCES
Clean water quality standards – WHO and KEBS

www.greenenergyconsult.com/index.php/solutions/water_treatment

Kenya water institute laboratory manual

College website

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