6.6  Training and capacity building

It is essential that members of staff are adequately trained to operate and maintain the water treatment and supply system. The training can begin with a classroom-based introduction (Figure 6.7) to the whole system, which is then followed by a structured training programme, where the trainee is exposed to different parts of the water treatment and supply system, and is given on-the-job training. Here, the trainee works alongside an experienced staff member until he or she is familiar with components and comfortable to conduct the desired operation and maintenance independently. Where the management of the water utility observes a lack of capacity, immediate measures must be taken to build the required technical skills of the operators and maintenance crew.