CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF SIWES
Students’ Industrial Work-experience Scheme (SIWES) is one of the Industrial
Training Fund (ITF) programme which was introduced in 1974 due to the
inability of engineering and technology students in Nigeria universities and
polytechnics to meet the practical aspects of their training. That is, the needs to
enable students match their theoretical school knowledge with the practical
aspect of their training in industry. The Training lasts for four months.
According to Ekpenyong (2011), one of the principles underlying any industrial
work experience scheme for students in institutions of learning is the desire to
marry the practical with the theoretical learning which characterizes
conventional classroom situations with a view to striking a balance between
theory and practice. The author stressed further that it was in realization of this
that the ITF when it was established, set out to study the extent to which the
theoretical knowledge that students in engineering technology and other allied
fields in Nigerian institutions offering technology based courses related to the
kind of work experience expected of them by employers. The result of the ITF
survey showed a great disparity between students’ knowledge and their ability
to apply it in relevant jobs. In order to bridge the gap between the two, the ITF
in 1974 established a co-operative internship programme, which enabled
students of technology to spend some part of their courses for relevant on the-
job practical experiences in appropriate areas of the Nigerian industry
(Ekpenyong, 2011). The author further stressed that the internship programme,
SIWES, can therefore be seen as that which is intended to give Nigerian
students studying occupationally related courses experience that would
supplement their theoretical learning as a well of equipping the students with
the needed skills to readily contribute their quota to national economic and
technological development after function in the world of work. This need to
combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills in order to produce results
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in the form of goods and services or to be productive is the essence and
rationale for industrial training, and a basic requirement for the award of B.Eng.

1.1.2 BRIEF HISTORY OF SIWES

In recognition of the shortcomings and weakness in the formation of SET
graduates, particularly with respect to acquisition of relevant production skills
(RPSs), the Industrial Training Fund (which was itself established in 1971 by
decree 47) initiated the Students’ Industrial Work experience Scheme (SIWES)
in 1973. The scheme was designed to expose 2 students to the industrial
environment and enable them develop occupational competencies so that they
can readily contribute their quota to national economic and technological
development after graduation. Consequently, SIWES is a planned and
structured programme based on stated and specific career objectives which are
geared toward developing the occupational competencies of participants. In
spite of the challenges faced by SIWES in the four decades of its existence, the
Scheme has not only raised consciousness and increased awareness about the
need for training of SET students, but has also helped in the formation of
skilled and competent indigenous manpower which has been manning and
managing the technological resources and industrial sectors of the economy.
Participation in SIWES has become a necessary condition for the award of
degrees and diplomas to SET students graduating from higher institutions in
Nigeria. It is therefore, not in doubt that SIWES is a veritable means or tool for
National Economic Development. The main thrust of ITF programmes and
services is to stimulate human performance, improve productivity, and induce
value-added production in industry and commerce. Through its SIWES and
Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also builds capacity
for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small Scale
Industrialization, in the economy. The Industrial Training Fund is a grade ‘A’
parastatal operating under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade
and Investment. It has been operating for 45 years as a specialist agency that
promotes and encourages the acquisition of industrial and commercial skills
required for national economic development.

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1.1.3 VISION STATEMENT
To be the prime skills training development organization in Nigeria and one of
the best in the world.

1.1.4 MISSION STATEMENT

To set and regulate standards and offer direct training intervention in industrial
and commercial skills training and development, using a corps of highly
competent professional staff, modern techniques and technology.

1.2 AIM OF SIWES

The effort is aimed at helping/training students in the Nigerian tertiary
institutions the practical aspect of their field of study by exposing students to
machines and equipment, professional work methods and ways of safeguarding
the work areas and workers in industries and other organizations.

1.2.1 OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The Industrial Training Fund’s policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which
established SIWES outlined the objectives of the scheme. The objectives are to:
 It provides an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to
acquire industrial skills and experience during their course of study.
 It expose Students to work methods and techniques in handling
equipment and machinery that may not be available in their institutions.
 It makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and
enhance students’ contact for later job placements and a chance to
evaluate companies for which they might wish to work.
 It provides students with the opportunities to apply their educational
knowledge in real work and industrial situations, there by bridging the
gap between theory and practice.
 The programme teaches the students on how to interact effectively with
other workers and supervisors under various conditions in the
organization.

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1.2.2 IMPORTANCE OF SIWES TO CIVIL ENGINEERING

1. It exposes students to more practical work methods and techniques in civil

engineering.
2. It provides students in civil engineering with an opportunity to apply their
theoretical knowledge to real life situations.
3. It enables students in civil engineering to gain experience in handling
equipment and machineries.
4. It provides an environment whereby students in civil engineering can develop
their creativity and interpersonal skills through software design techniques.
5. It is one of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Engineering
Degree (B.Eng.) in Civil Engineering.

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 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE ORANIZATION

The Kebbi State Water Board was created in the year 1982. It was
established with the responsibility of ensuring the provision of potable water
supply and sanitation services to the people of Kebbi state in Nigeria. The
Board is responsible for planning, designing, constructing, operating, and
maintaining water supply and distribution infrastructure in the state. Over the
years, the Kebbi State Water Board has under gone several restructuring sand
improvements to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering quality
water services to the people of Kebbi state.

Kebbi State Water Board is a government agency responsible for the provision
of safe and portable water supply to the people of Kebbi State, Nigeria. The
agency was established to provide adequate water supply for domestic,
commercial, and industrial purposes. The Water Board is responsible for the
management, operation, and maintenance of water supply facilities, including
water treatment of Kebbi State have access to clean and safe drinking water.
The agency is committed to providing efficient and sustainable water supply
services to the people of Kebbi State.

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 2.1 CHART OF THE ORANIZATION

CHAIRMAN

BOARD MANAGER

GENERAL MANAGER

Sec/Dgm ADM DGM DGM DGM Internal & Area

DGM Admin ADM Producer Operation Financial Manager
Staff Officer
Planning & Maint Supply

AGM AGM AGM AGM Commercial

Panning distribution
Product & & Hobo &
Monitorin Maintena
g nce Branch
es

AGM AGM

Maintenance Quality

AGM AGM
Collection AGM
of billing Operation
Customer
relation

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 CHAPTER THREE

WORKING EXPERIENCE

Knowledge Acquired During the Attachment

3.0 WATER QUALITY TEST

Water quality is a measure of the condition of water relative to the

requirements of one or more biotic species and or to any human need and

purpose.

Water quality test at Kebbi State Water Board is carried out at the Quality

control unit which is one of the units at the Board. It was established in order to

ensure the quality of water produced and supplied by the Board is safe enough

to meet the standard requirement by World and National Health Agencies. The

unit also analyses water samples brought by commercial table water producers,

residence overhead tanks for confirmation and for students’ researches. The

water quality tests that are usually carried out at the quality control unit.

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3.1 Bacteriological Analysis

Bacteriological water analysis is a method of analyzing water to estimate

the numbers of bacteria present and if needed to find out what sort of bacteria

they are. It represents one aspect of water quality. It is a microbiological

analytical procedure which uses samples of water and from these samples

determines the concentration of bacteria.

Aims of the analysis include:

• To enumerate the number of bacteria present in drinking water.

• To identify the bacteria present in drinking water sample.

Methodology

The methods used in the laboratory of the quality control unit of Kebbi State

Water Board include:

 Most Probable Number (MPN) index method

 Membrane Filter Method

 Pour Plate method

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The MPN Index Method

Most Probable Number (MPN) method is a statistical method based on the

random dispersion of microorganisms per volume in a given sample. In this

method, measured volumes of water are added to a series of Bijou bottles

containing a liquid indicator growth medium. The media receiving one or

more indicator bacteria show growth and a characteristic color change.

Color change is absent in those receiving an inoculums of water without

indicator bacteria. From the number and distribution of positive and

negative reactions, the MPN of indicator organisms in the sample may be

estimated by reference to statistical tables.

MPN test is completed in three steps:

 Presumptive test

 Confirmed test

 Completed test

Requirements

 Water sample

 Distilled water

 Weighing balance

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  Pipette (25 and 10ml)

 Glass rod (stirrer)

 Durham’s tubes

 Test tubes

 Beaker

 Media

 Wire loop

 Masking tape

 Petri dishes

 Autoclave/oven

 Incubator

 Spatula

The Presumptive Test

This is used for the detection and estimation of coli form in water sample.

For estimation of coli forms, lactose broth medium is used. Outlined below

are the basic steps in this test.

 Prepare lactose broth media of double strength if the water is treated or

single if the water is not treated. Pipette 10ml into each small bijou

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 bottle with Durham’s tube. And 50ml into the big bottles with test tube

and autoclave it.

 After autoclaving, allow to cool to room temperature. Using sterile

pipettes transfer 10ml of the water sample to each of the small bottles

and 50ml to each of the big bottles.

 Incubate the bottles at 37°C for 24hrs.

 After incubation, observe the gas production in Durham’s tube and test

tube and colour change of the media.

 Record the number of positive results from set of bottles and compare

with standard chart to give presumptive coli form count per 100ml

water sample.

The Confirmed Test

Some spore forming bacteria give false positive test in presumptive test.

Confirmed test is done to determine that the coli forms are of fecal origin or

not. And they are E. coli or not. Below are the basic steps in this test.

 Take the positive bottle from the presumptive test and using EMB in

duplicate.

 Incubate one plate at 37°C for 24 hours and another at 44.5°C for 24

hours.
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  Look for typical colonies in the media; blue black with green metallic

colonies are of E. coli in EMB agar.

The Completed Test

 Inoculate the colony in a bottle of lactose broth with Durham’s

tube/test tube.

 Incubate the broth cultures at 37°C.

 examine for acid and gas production in lactose broth.

Note: Observe aseptic technique throughout the procedure.

Result

From the number and distribution of positive and negative reactions, the

MPN of indicator organisms in the sample may be estimated by reference to

statistical tables. For the presumptive and the completed tests, production of gas

in the Durham’s tubes, odor and turbidity indicate bacterial growth which is

considered as positive test for coli forms in water sample.

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3.1.1 WATER TREATMENT

During my SIWES program at Kebbi State Water Board, myself and

other students from various institutions were from time to time taken to the

Dukku water treatment plant to see to ourselves and observe all that is going on

at the plant. I must confess that during those periods of visitation to the

treatment plant I have learned a lot about water treatment, the chemicals used,

the equipments utilized and the processes involved. So at this point I would like

to discuss what I saw and learned at the treatment plant.

3.1.2 MEANING OF WATER TREATMENT

Water treatment is any process that makes water more acceptable for a

specific end-use. The end use may be drinking, industrial water supply,

irrigation, river flow maintenance, water recreation or many other uses,

including being safely returned to the environment. Water treatment removes

contaminants and undesirable components, or reduces their concentration so

that the water becomes fit for its desired end-use. Treatment for drinking water

production involves the removal of contaminants from raw water to produce

water that is pure enough for human consumption without any short term or

long term risk of any adverse health effect. Substances that are removed during

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the process of drinking water treatment include suspended solids, bacteria,

algae, viruses, fungi, and minerals such as iron and manganese.

3.1.3 KEBBI STATE WATER TREATMENT PLANT

To start with, water treatment plant is collectively, the industrial-scale

processes that make water more acceptable for an end-use, which may be

drinking, industrial water supply, irrigation, river flow maintenance, water

recreation or many other uses, including being safely returned to the

environment.

3.1.4 THE NEED FOR WATER TREATMENT

The two main reasons for treating water are 1) to remove those

contaminants that are harmful to health and 2) to remove contaminants that

make the water look, taste, taste, or smell bad. Since many contaminants

harmful to health cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, early water treatment

efforts focused on making the water more appealing to the consumer or

improving the aesthetic qualities of the water. However, with advance with

advances in modern science, our ability to detect microorganisms and very low

levels of harmful chemicals has led to advanced treatment technologies to

remove health-related contaminants that may be present in very small amount.

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3.2 CHEMICALS USED AT KEBBI STATE WATER TREATMENT

PLANT

The chemical plant is a building where chemicals are being prepared for the

treatment of water, the chemicals used in Kebbi State treatment plant are Alum

{Al2(SO4)3}, polyelectrolyte (PE), chlorine gas (Cl 2), lime {Ca(OH)2}, and

calcium hypochlorite (Cl2O2Ca). Below are the descriptions of each chemical.

 Alum

Aluminiumsulphate (Al2(SO4)3. 16H2O) is commonly used as a coagulant.

Fig.2.3: AluminiumSulphate

 +Lime Plant

Lime (Ca(OH)2) can also be used as a coagulant, but it’s mostly used as a pH

corrector.

The hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) is used to standardize the pH value of water

before and after treatment.

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  Polyelectrolyte

Polyelectrolyte (Ca(CO2)2) are mostly used to assist flocculation process and

are often called flocculation aids, they can be cationic (positively charged),

anionic (negatively charged) or non-ionic (no net charges).

 Calcium hypochlorite Plant

Calcium hypochlorite (Cl2O2Ca), this is the chemical used for disinfections in

case of failure in chlorine gas plan. It is usually applied at the post chlorination

stage during water treatment.

 Chlorine Plant

This chemical is used for disinfections and complete elimination of

bacteria present in water.

3.2.1 HAZARD IN A WATER PLANT

The hazards listed below are some of the hazards that occur in plants
1. Slips and falls on floors made slippery by water, aqueous solutions or
solvents.
2. Blows and contusions caused by falling heavy articles, including containers
of chemical
reagents, e.g., from overhead conveyers, or by contact with moving machinery
or vehicles.
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3. Falls into pits, clarifiers or tanks causing injuries or drowning.
4. Electric shock caused by contact with faulty electrical equipment, cables, etc.
5. Cuts and pricks by sharp tools sharp edges of articles to be plated sharp
deposits on jigs, etc.
6. Injuries (especially of eyes) caused by flying particles, in particular from
rotating brush
cleaning or wheel grinding.

3.2.2 SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Use safety shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

2. Wear personal protective equipment and chemical resistant clothing to avoid
exposure of skin
or eyes to corrosive and/or polluted solids, liquids, gases or vapours.
3. Do NOT mix chemicals without the supervision of a qualified chemist or
safety professional.
4. Obey all safety-instructions regarding the storage, transport, handling or
pouring of chemicals.
5. Check electrical equipment for safety before use; verify that all electric
cables are properly
insulated; take faulty or suspect electrical equipment to a qualified electricity
technician for testing
and repair.
6. Wear safety goggles in all cases where the eyes may be exposed to dust,
flying particles, or
splashes of harmful liquids.

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7. Wear respirator, or gas mask, when exposed to harmful aerosols, dusts,
vapours or gases.
8. Take extreme care when handling highly corrosive agents such as liquid or
gaseous chlorine,
concentrated acids or alkalis, or when toxic gases may be emitted from the
reagents, etc.
9. Do not smoke, eat or drink in areas where chemical or biological
contamination may be
expected.
10. Use non-latex gloves if sensitivity to latex has been diagnosed.
11. Learn and use safe lifting and moving techniques for heavy or awkward
loads such as
containers of chemicals; use mechanical aids to assist in lifting.

3.2.3 EQUIPMENT FOR STAFF

 Safety boots.
 Electrical hazard safety toe shoes
 Gas masks and face shields.
 Single-use ear plugs / ear-muffs
 Safety goggles
 Helmets / hard hats.
 Overall clothing.
 Safety belts.
 First aid box.
 Fire extinguishers.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 CONCLUSION

Industrial training at Kebbi State Water Board was a huge success and a

great time of acquisition of knowledge and skills. Through my training I was

able to appreciate my chosen course of study even more, because I had the

opportunity to blend the theoretical knowledge acquired from school with the

practical hands-on application of knowledge gained here to perform very

important tasks that contributed in a way to my productivity in the water board.

My training here has given me a broader view to the importance and relevance

of biologists in the immediate society and the world as a whole, as I now look

forward to impacting it positively after graduation. I have also been able

improve my communication and presentation skills and there by developed

good relationship with my fellow colleagues at work. I have also been able to

appreciate the connection between my course of study and other disciplines in

producing a successful result.

4.1.1 RECOMMENDATION

Different organization should be highlighted more about the scheme to ease

the training of students.

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 The continuity of the student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES)

as it has helped to bridge the gap between theory and practical knowledge of

students.

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