ATCnewsletter november 2014

1 NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 Atc NEwsLEttER

A R U S H A T E C H N I C A L C O L L E G E

‘ S k i l l s M a k e t h e D i f f e r e n c e ’

A BIANUAL PUBLICATION Of ARUSHA TECHNICAL COLLEGE NOVEMBER - APRIL, 2015 ISSUE 004

atcNewsletter

H.E Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, the President of the URT listening to a presentation by Science LaboratoryStudent of Arusha Technical college, Fedrica Frederick during the Edward Moringe Sokoine Memorial Day held at Monduli on 12 April, 2014.

www.atc.ac.tz

NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 Atc NEwsLEttER

Contents

Published By:

Arusha Technical College

P.O.Box 296, Arusha,Tanzania

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.atc.ac.tz

Editor

Gasto Leseiyo

Assistant Editor

E.P Sikawa

Consulting Editor

Sauli Gilliard

Editorial Team:

Winston Msuya

Daudi Mtavangu

Photographs:

Public Relations Unit

Designed & Printed by:

iPrint Ltd.

Email: [email protected] H.E Jakaya M. Kikwete, the President of the URT listening to Arusha Technical College’s Rector Eng. Dr. Richard Masika (1st left) as he gives Brief Information about ATC during the Edward Moringe Sokoine Memorial Day held at Monduli in April 2014. Looking on(center) is teh Former President , H. E , Benjamin W. Mkapa and behind him is Hon.Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim the former Prime Minister and Secretary General of OAU

Message from the Rector 3

Message the Editor’s Desk 4

ATC Hosts CAPA Conference 5

ATC _ workers’ Council in Spotlight 6

ATC Participates in the 2nd Arusha International Gem, Jewelry and Mineral fair 7

ARGO Lab Introduced at ATC 8

A quick design method for for surface Constructed Wetlands for Treating Wastewater 9

ATC Receives Training equipment worthy Euro 200,00 10

Auto trans Vehicle 11

ATC Conquer Mount Meru 12

Success Story 14

Pictorial Corner 16

ATC Comes With Affordable Hydro- Power Generator 18

New Employees at ATC 20

Staff Development 21

Humor Stories 22

Sports 23

ATC first Batch of Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Irrigation

Engineering 25

Role of Technical Institutions 27

Solar Power in Tanzania: Engine for people center economy 28

Sokoine Memorial

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Message from the Rector

Eng. Dr. Richard J. MasikaRECToR

First Irrigation Engineering Graduates Enter the Market in Style

It What exciting time lies ahead of us? This is probably a question that preoccupied the First Irrigation Engineering Graduates

during their student life at the College. The Arusha Technical College, popularly known as ATC, was upgraded to autonomous institution in 2007 to replace the then Technical College Arusha that was founded in 1978. It started operating autonomously in July 2009 and immediately, in response to market demand and as a part of support to the realisation of the National Irrigation Master Plan (NIMP) the College introduced a Civil and Irrigation Engineering programme leading to the award of ordinary Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree respectively. The Master Plan is supported by the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 and the “KILIMo KWANZA” strategy. The Process of developing Curriculum for this programme was guided by NACTE provisions with effective involvement of stakeholders.

Key NACTE provisions applied were level descriptors and learning outcomes. The process requires determination of labour market demands through situation analysis as a first step towards curriculum development. As a second step the findings of the Labour Market Demands were synthesized with NACTE guidelines in a Situation Analysis Report. This Report was applied to develop Curriculum in a writers workshop comprising a strategic

mix of selected members from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Local Government, Contractors, Sokoine University of Agriculture, and Agriculture Research Institutes, among others.

The College also developed an implementation plan to guarantee that the training to be offered is of required quality, experiential in nature with entrepreneurship development component to motivate students to opt for self employment activities after completion of their study. The developed curriculum and its implementation plan were presented to a stakeholders workshop to confirm if it adequately addressed the needs of both irrigation engineering industry and professional bodies. This step in addition to approving the curriculum, also ensured that the graduates could be relevant to society. As a part of Quality Assurance framework of the College, practicing professionals, professional bodies and the views of other stakeholders were taken into consideration.

The College mobilised the required resources both human and facilities to impart the necessary knowledge, skills and good attributes engraved in the curricula as demanded by Irrigation Engineering Industry and allied stakeholders. Further, the College recruited a total of 5 qualified academic staff in the Civil Engineering Department, contracted visiting Lecturers/Professors from institutions such as Sokoine University of Agriculture, University of Dar es Salaam and Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology among other Institutions. Further, the College, requested for support of Irrigation Experts from the Government of Japan to build teaching capacity especially in design and practical classes. The Japanese Government dispatched two Experts from June 2010 todate to work with ATC is realizing this noble dream.

In order to support teaching, a Demonstration Farm was constructed within the ATC campus to demonstrate field irrigation techniques for gravity irrigation and pressurized irrigation

technologies. In addition, the College is in the process of establishing a 150 acres Irrigation Training Farm 15 km away at VETA oljoro area to support teaching practice. Currently, drilling of boreholes and construction of rainwater harvesting system are in progress. In addition, in each academic year Students attend Field Practical Training in Irrigation Schemes and Design Offices for ten weeks where they work under supervision of contractors, consultants, and Irrigation Officers.

The first batch of Students who pursued this three academic years Bachelor’s Degree Programme and successfully fulfilled the requirements for the awards, graduated with Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering in January 2014. These are the first graduates in this field in our Country. They are recognized and registed by the Engineers Registration Board (ERB). Government is working on its promise of employing them to various irrigation schemes and relevant projects in the Local Government. A good number of them however have already been employed by other stakeholders. During the Graduation Convocation the Graduands resolved that at every graduation occasion each graduand should plant a memorial tree starting with their cohort.

The ATC staff are student centred, career focused and committed to student success. our hands-on (competence based) philosophy distinguishes ATC from many other technical institutions in Tanzania and the East African region. The College is confident that its graduates leave with a qualification which is respected in the industry with the competence and confidence that go with it.

The support of all stakeholders including students, Government, visiting lecturers/professors, Irrigation Experts and the College staff is highly appreciated and we count on your continued support and good cooperation.

Remember that always ‘Skills make the Difference!

NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 ATC NEWSLETTER

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Greetings to you all! This editorial is in good hope that you are

all doing well. This time around our newsletter is out again

bringing you a variety of stuff which we believe will keep you

informed, educated and entertained with regards to the issues of

engineering, Science ad technology.

The family of ATC this time around is more than happy as we now

have 27 new staff who we believe their coming make huge strides in

various aspects with the intention of preparing capable Manpower

that will help our Country. We do hope that other staff will offer them

maxium support in executing their responsibilities.

As the core function of ATC is provision of competence based

education training, we bring with you a call from the vice president

of Tanzania, Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal on the need to reinforce

technical education in the country so that we speed up the

transition to an industrial economy.

As stated clearly in the previous edition, the role of stakeholders,

the America Biomedical Technology Aid (Beta) have taken a lead

by donating machines for ATC meant imparting better skills to

Students who are taking Electrical and Biomedical Engineering.

In the same spirit this edition brings to you a mixture of features,

news stories and interviews to keep you informed and entertained,

without forgetting the success stories of mwalimu Joseph Kotini, a

former student of the then Technical College Arusha, as he narrates

extensively about his career and experience in the Automotive

engineering field and his plea to students to join technical

institutions.

Last but not the least , we wish to say this editorial has no enough

space to brief you on all the good things that we have prepared for

you but we promise you that by having opportunity to read you will

be much informed, educated and entertained as well, especially on

the humor part.

Enjoy reading this edition.

Message from the Editor’s Desk

The role of stakeholders, the America Biomedical Technology Aid (Beta) have taken a lead by donating machines for ATC meant imparting better skills to Students who are taking Electrical and Biomedical Engineering.

Gasto Leseiyo

EDIToR

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By Gasto Leseiyo

Arusha Technical College (ATC) hosted the International Conference for the Conference for Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA), which

was held from 25th to 27th November 2013 at the Arusha International Conference (AICC). The Conference attracted more than 250 delegates presenting 14 nationalities from Africa and beyond. This year’s theme was ‘Aligning Skills to meet Market needs in Africa-Role of TVET’.

ATC HosTs CAPA International conference

The Vice President of the URT. H.E Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal follows the Presentation during the Conference

Minister for education and Vocational Training, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa (MP) delivers a Closing speech the CAPA Conference

Launching of the CAPA Science Journal

Speaking during the official opening Ceremony, the Guest of Honor the Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Mohammed Gharib Bilal stressed on the fact that Tanzania has no choice but to embrace vital technological advancement in order to speed up the transition to an industrial economy.

CAPA Secretary General, Dr. Olubunmi Owoso delivers Speech during the Conference

The Vice President of the URT. H.E Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal (5th from left seated) in a group photo with member of local Organizing Committee (LOC) during the November 2013 CAPA International Conference. Seated on his right is Hon. Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa (MP) Minister for Education and Vocational Training. CAPA Secretary General, Dr. Olubunmi Owoso (2nd left. On his left is the ATC Governing Board Chairperson, Mr. Abraham Nyanda (2nd right). Chairperson of LOC. Eng. Dr. Richard J. Masika (3rd right)

Dr.Bilal added that development in science and technology was a crucial determinant of the processes governing national development and the country’s position in the global economy.

‘While developed countries are mulling over the post- industrial era, most African countries have not been able to adequately embrace even the

technologies of the first industrial revolution,’ the Vice President pointed out.

on his part, the Minister for education and Vocational training, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa stated that technical and vocational education and training was the only vehicle which would enable African countries to reduce the gap between them and the first world countries as far as technology was concerned.

‘ it is indisputable that the contribution of TVET training in wealth creation is essential and if effectively utilized technical training graduates could be drivers of small and medium enterprise development’ said Dr. Kawambwa.

The Conference has been organized by Commonwealth Association of Polytechnics in Africa (CAPA) in conjunction with Arusha Technical College (ATC), National Institute of Transport (NIT) and Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA).

‘Technological advancement in the case of Tanzania is particularly of major importance in the agriculture sector’ he said.


THE ATC- WORKERS’ CounCil in sPoTligHT

The Chairman of the Arusha Technical College Governing Board, Mr. Abraham Nyanda has

called for deliberation efforts on the part of the ATC- Workers’ Council to ensure that they vigorously address workers concerns in a move to promote productivity at the College

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Workers’ council, Mr. Nyanda noted that general workers’ productivity and

The Guest of Honor. Hon. Abraham Nyanda, the Chairman of the ATC Governing Board gives his opening remarks during the ATC-worker’s council inauguration.

Some of the Members of the ATC-Workers’ Council listening to the Guest of Honor’s opening remarks.By Gasto Leseiyo

stewardship to the public and College resources increase when their concerns are addressed properly.

He also called upon the general staff at the ATC to ensure that they diligently and efficiently discharge their duties with commitment of the highest order.

The Board Chairman also noted that keeping confidentiality should be the Workers’ council top agenda.

The invited Guests, Mr.Sebastian Inoshi (left) from Dar es Salaam Institute of

Technology (DIT) and Mr. Mwahamed Kulu (right) from Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Trade Union

(THTU).

A group photo of the Guest of honor. Hon. Abraham Nyanda (4th left-seated) together with the Members of the ATC Workers’ Council


The Rector of the Arusha Technical College, Eng. Dr. Richard J. Masika (1st left) presenting a carved Egg) from the rock Malachite to the Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa (1st right) during the just-ended Arusha International Gemstone Jewellery and Mineral Fair held at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha. ATC offers Basic Certificate Course in Lapidary and Jewellery Technology

By Gasto Leseiyo

Atc participates in the 2nd Arusha International Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Fair (AIGMF)

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral (MEM) in collaboration with the Tanzania Mineral

Dealers Association (TAMIDA) recently organized the 2nd Arusha International Gem, Jewelry and Mineral Fair (AIGMF) in which Arusha Technical College (ATC) fully participated.

In these exhibitions different institutions from Tanzania and outside Tanzania participated. ATC like many institutions used the exhibition as a means to disseminate information to the local and international Public on its newly introduced Course of Lapidary and Jewelry Technology.

The organizing Committee from ATC displayed different activities performed by students under this course including demonstration on how to cut and polish Gemstones, especially Tanzanite.

Speaking at ATC pavilion the College’s

Rector, Eng. Dr. Richard Masika told the Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Dr. Shukuru Kawambwa that the Institution intends to create local experts who will be able to add value to the diverse valuable gemstones explored in the Country

The Minister visited the pavilion where activities related to the College’s lapidary and Jewelry Training were

being displayed to an international delegation.

He lauded the College’s initiatives, pointing out that for many years mineral mined in the Country provided employment to the people in the other countries that could buy raw products only to cut and polish them in their own countries.

“This is a commendable initiative as the Country has a limited number of experts in this area. We want more people to have expertise in this area to add value to our mineral to make Tanzanians benefit out of this sector,’’ he said

The new Course has already been rolled out with the first batch of 16 students and is already enrolling new ones in an effort to boost the number of Jewelry Polishing experts in the Country.

Deputy Minister for Energy and Mineral Hon. Stephen Masele (MP), inspects lapidary

and Jewelry section of Arusha Technical College during the 2nd Arusha International minerals,

Gemstones and Jewelries Fair.


ARgo lAb Introduced at ATC

Arusha Technical College (ATC) has unveiled a special ARGo system of Automotive engine diagnostic and repair workshop that is likely to change motor vehicle

repairing services in the country.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, the ATC Rector Engineer, Dr. Richard Masika said, the new advanced car that are extremely differently from old mechanical dilapidated vehicle means that the country’s mechanics and motor vehicle repair garages not equipped to handle them.

“older motor vehicles were mostly composed of mechanical parts with little, if any electronic, but new cars are automated, featuring mostly electronic and digital components with mechanical parts taking the back seat. Pointed out Dr. Masika

He added that the new ARGo lab at ATC will enable the new breed of mechanics to handle modern cars.

ATC has already developed a tailor- made automotive engineering curriculum which has been submitted to the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) for approval.

Furthermore, the College has consulted the motor vehicle industry experts to see what they specifically wanted from the workforce who will be graduating from the programme.

ARGo project experts from Netherlands, Hendrick Jonkman and Sieberrn Idzenga are assisting in the maiden training scheme at the College pioneering the journey in digitalizing motor vehicle repairing in Tanzania.

The Hague based, PUM Netherlands senior experts organization is assisting ATC on the new ‘ Practical Training for Technicians’ Programme, the organization connects entrepreneurs in developing countries and emerging markets with senior experts from Netherlands that boast at least 30 years of experience in business environment .

With the newly established ARGo engine diagnostic laboratory and repair workshop at ATC, local car garages are set to be transformed from the old, smelly, oily warehouses full of spanners and blue-coat mechanics to modern centres featuring Lab like clean interiors fitted with Computers attended white- clad workmen who look like doctors.

By Staff writer

The Pum Project Manager, Mr. Wim Bredewold presents a key to the Rector of Arusha Technical College, Eng Dr. Richard Masika as the sign of Inauguration of ARGO Lab. Look on, are Member of ATC Governing Board

Mr. Hendrick Jonkman from PUM Netherlands senior experts makes a presentation the Chairperson of ATC Governing Board Mr. Abraham Nyanda (1st Left) on the ARGO System works

Mr. Kefa G. Mkongwa (1st right) gives brief explanation to the ATC Board Members and other Staff on how Lift elevator Circuit works during Arduino Training organized by ATC and PUM to the members of Electrical Engineering Department.


A quick design method For SubSurFAcE conStructEd wEtlAndS For trEAtInG wAStEwAtEr

Experience has shown that both subsurface constructed wetlands work much better if preceded by a settling tank or a septic tank. They are suitable for secondary treatment- Second step in most waste treatment systems during which bacteria consume the organic parts of the wastes and further removal of suspended solids or tertiary treatment- Advanced cleaning of wastewater during which nutrients (such as phosphorous and nitrogen) and most suspended solids are removed).

Standard design of Horizontal Subsurface constructed wetlands

Design of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands is guided by Kickuth Equation and media (gravel) characteristics giving a design equation below:

, where Ah is the surface area of the bed (m2),

Qd is the flow rate (m3/d), C

o is the influent organic

matters measured as BoD5 (mg/l) and Ce is the

effluent organic matters measured as BOD5 (mg/l).

KT is the temperature dependent factor (d-1), y is

media depth (m) and n is the porosity of the media (%). However K

Tyn = K

BoD =0.067-0.1

The design equation is suitably applied if at all possible to carry out a flow and load sampling survey.

Quick design of Horizontal subsurface constructed wetlands

In designing horizontal subsurface fowl constructed wetlands without prior information on characteristics of wastewater, a quick method is to use population equivalent (pe). With the following assumption

a) flow per person 40-200l/pe

b) BOD contribution (Co) 40-60g BOD5/pe and

c) Quality required (Ce) 10-20 mg/l (standard)

d) 20-45% of Co will be removed by pre-treatment system (e.g. septic tank)

Example

With an area of say with 200 people which requires horizontal subsurface constructed wetlands. The area of land required will be obtained as follow:

BoD5 flowing to pre-treatment system will be:

(60g/pe)/200 =300 mg/l and with assumption that 30% this BoD will be reduced at pre-treatment unit, Co = 0.7 x 300 – 210 mg/l

Qd = 200 pe x 200l/pe = 40 m3/d

Ah = [40ln (210/20)]/0.1 =940 m2

It is necessary to remember that:

a) Horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands are designed based on plug-flow assumption (l/w =1-5) and

b) In flow Qin

and out flow Qout are equal

c) Bed slope < 2%

d) Media depth should allow water to flow 0.15 m from the surface

INTRoDUCTIoN

Wetlands is land where the water surface is near the ground surface for long enough time to maintain saturated soil conditions

along with the related vegetation. They have partly oxic (oxygen condition), partly anoxic (anaerobic condition) soils in which organic breakdown takes place. Wetlands support a highly productive, tall emergent vegetable capable of taking up large amount of nutrients. There are two types of wetlands namely natural of constructed wetlands.

NATURAL WETLANDS

These have been used for wastewater treatment for many years. In many cases natural wetlands were used for disposal and not treatment and were considered as wastelands

Although improvement in the quality of wastewater is generally observed as a result of flow through natural wetlands, the extent of their treatment capability is largely unknown. In Tanzania natural wetlands occupy over 7% of the country’s surface area.

CoNSTRUCTED WETLANDS

These are Designed/man-made systems aimed at achieving removal of pollutants as observed to take place in natural systems. They are sometimes called Reed beds or artificial wetlands but constructed wetlands is an international term

Constructed wetlands are increasingly seen as a viable Eco-technology for wastewater treatment due to:

a) Public demand for more stringent wastewater effluent standards,

b) Rapidly escalating costs of construction and operation associated with conventional treatment plants, and

c) Environmental benefits

Classification of Constructed wetlands

These are:

a) Surface Flow Constructed wetlands (popular in USA particularly for Large wastewater flow: This is characterised by Wastewater being exposed to the atmosphere as it flows through the cell (treatment unit)

b) Subsurface constructed wetlands (Horizontal or vertical flow) widely accepted in Europe, Australia and Africa: This is characterised by Wastewater

being exposed to the atmosphere as it flows through the cell

Horizontal flow

Vertical flow

Processes (mechanisms) in treating wastewater by constructed wetlands

Treating of wastewater by Constructed wetlands involves transformation or removal of organics (BoD), suspended solids, nitrogen, phosphorus, pathogens and trace metals by:

a) Sedimentation: Gravity settling solids

b) Filtration: Particulate filtered mechanically as water passes through substrate, root masses etc.

c) Adsorption: Inter-particle attractive force

d) Biological microbial/metabolism: include nitrification/denitrification

e) Natural die off: Naturally decay or organisms in unfavorable conditions and

f) Plant absorption: Under proper conditions, significant quantities of these contaminants will be taken up by plants

Design of subsurface Constructed wetlands

This article will only discuss design of Horizontal subsurface constructed wetlands which have many advantages as compared to surface flow Constructed wetlands as indicated in the Table below:

SUBSURFACE FLoW SURFACE FLoW

Often greater operating cost

Generally lower installation costs

Clogging happensSimple hydraulic (no clogging)

More effective per unit area i.e. it needs less space

Needs More space (land)

No/Less odour Odours is likely to happen

Possibly fewer mosquitoes

Possibly more mosquitoes

By Senzia, M.A.(PhD)


By Winstone Msuya

It was all jubilation at ATC on 16/08/2013 when a truck carrying a consignment of training

equipment and tools, donated by the Italian Government through Italian Development Agency (IDA) under the Technical Education and Labour Market Support (TELMS) project, was being off-loaded in front of the ATC’s main store.

The Euro 200,000 worthy equipment and tools were donated as part of the TELMS project which is aimed at increasing access and improve quality of teaching and learning using modern training equipment and improved staff skills; introducing new Labour Market driven cross cutting technologies and engineering programmes; researching and boasting existing partnerships and linkage with the Tanzania Industry through innovative technical programmes; and giving special consideration and priority for women to participate in technology and engineering.

Some of the Electronics and Telecommunication equipment donated by TELMS

The beneficiaries of these tools and equipment include the Automotive, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Transportationengineering departments. The Automotive engineering department received a state of the art computerized vehicle diagnostic kit which will greatly improve the practical training in its two workshops and benefit customers who need quality car repair and

Some of the Electronics and Telecommunication equipment donated by TELMS

maintenance services. The Civil and Transportation engineering departments will share among them various laboratory equipment including Direct Shear Test Machine and its Accessories. The Mechanical engineering department received four complete sets of PLC Workstation with Process Simulators that will effectively improve the training of Mechatronics. Lastly it is the Electrical engineering department, which by large received a lion’s share. They got various electonics and telecommunications equipment that will make their laboratories one of the best Tanzania.

The arrival of these tools and equipment is yet another testmony that ATC is committed to its endeavor to play a leading role in training highly skilled and knowledgeable graduates who can cope with the ever changing technology. The Rector and the ATC community at large is taking this opportunity to thank and congratulate the Italian government through the TELMS Project Manager, Dr. Daniele Passalaqua for taking a leading role in ensuring ATC is fulfilling its Vision and Mission..

ATC receives training equipment

worth Euro 200,000


By David Raymond

Auto-Trans.Vehicle“ECT /OD” Button Application.

ECT stands for “Electronically Con-trolled Transmission”. When you push the button in, there should be

a light on the dash board that indicates “ECT PoWER”. This changes the normal shift times (based on engine vacuum, rpm, and throttle position) to a later point.

This simply means that, the engine rpms will go higher before shifting to a higher gear when you’re accelerating. When engaged, the transmission shifts later, allowing the engine to get to a higher power level and accelerate faster. Gas mileage is usually reduced in this mode.

Use it only when you need to get up to speed faster; for example, to merge into fast moving traffic. The normal position for this switch is oFF.

In “Freelander vehicles” the button has “ECT/SNoW” mode. The “Snow” mode starts the transmission in 2nd gear rather than first so that the wheels don’t have quite as much torque and are less likely to spin in inclement weather. Secondly, it changes the whole shift pattern of the transmission, particularly when accelerating from a start or when passing. It has the transmission change into higher gears earlier so that, again, when it is bad

conditions you are less likely to spin the tires each time the transmission shifts up and when you go into a passing gear, it down-shifts only “one” rather than the usual “two” 2 gears so that you don’t have as dramatic a change in the power going to the wheels.

o/D stands for “over-Drive” this is a 4th gear on the transmission that will engage when you are going above about 35 mph/ 56kmh, that lets the engine operate at a lower speed (RPMs) when all it has to do is maintain a high speed when you are going over flat, even highway. This improves fuel economy.

Technically, any transmission gear with a ratio of less than 1:1 is considered “over-Drive”. o/D can normally be left “oN” except when going up a gradual hill where the overdrive tends to not give the engine enough power to maintain a steady speed. This may cause the transmission to annoyingly “hunt” between 3rd and 4th gear. When o/D is switched oFF there should be a light on the dash board that says “o/D oFF”.

o/D oFF essentially suppresses the automatic shifting on your car, and lets you use the gears as if it were like a manual (note, like a manual,, but not exactly). For instance a vehicle is a 4-gear auto transmission and have D, 2 and L; so if the button O/D (switched off) engaged, L = 1st gear, 2 = 2nd gear, D = 3rd gear, and the 4th gear is only engageable if you switch the button on. otherwise each of these are the ‘highest’ gear your car will go in, but it will drop to a lower gear if necessary. (o/D oFF, and the gear lever is in ‘2’ position, this will limit you to the 1st and 2nd gears of your auto transmission)

Instructions on the use of (o/D oN)

1 Press the button when passing another car on the highway. When

passing another vehicle in an automatic transmission car, it is sometimes difficult to get the car to accelerate fast enough. Try clicking the overdrive button. By forcing the car into third gear, your engine will gain more toque and thereby

be better able to accelerate past the other car.

2 Press the button when entering the expressway. As explained above, this

will make it easier to efficiently accelerate up to cruising speed.

3 Engage the button when exiting the expressway. Click the button just as you turn onto the exit ramp, and let the engine help slow you down. Brakes have a greater tendency to overheat when used at high speed. Using the o/D lockout button will help to slow you down to a lower speed, at which point you can use your brakes.

4 Press the button when going up a long, shallow grade on the expressway. In

such situation, sometimes the automatic transmission will fail to shift down soon enough, causing you to lose power. Engage the o/D lockout to force the car into third gear.

5 Engage the o/D lockout button when going down a long hill to help keep

you from gaining too much speed. If the hill is steep, you may even need to shift the car down into second gear with the shifter. This will help prevent overheating your breaks.

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The path begins with an open field and we walk amongst the herd of buffaloes. The guide insists that

they do not attack as a group but one should be cautious of a lone buffalo for they are prone to charging and in such instance one must lie down and not run away. You cannot outrun a buffalo, he insists. He then ordered us to follow what he says, as he quotes some

statistics indicating that the highest attacks caused by animal on human are from buffaloes. Our hearts start beat very fast and our steps become light.

We are group of 13. (Gasto leseiyo, Joseph Kotini, david raymond, Pascal Jao, Shahzmin Premji, nichodemus Msafiri, James Mmari, Dotto Joseph, Fregrence ngowi, Severino Selestine,

“Pole, pole” the guide chants as we start our Journey facing the slopes of Mount Meru. It starts with buffaloes; dark, short and endless captivate stares.

ATC STAFF

ConquerMount Meru

by gasto leseiyo

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Mzee Makumulo, and rehemael Anael, ) We call ourselves the winning team and some of us mock the mountain that they will climb it for a day instead of three or four days as we hurry away from the open field up a small incline that is forested and full of mysterious plants that the guide knows by names, indicating their usage.

We go through a series of grassy walkways and forested inclines and finally encounter a river. The river runs silently, no sharper sound to it as what we would expect of buzzing of the bee. Trees surrounded the forest, giving it an indistinct feeling.

Steeper route

the route runs steep and our stories and laughter fade, it become harder to stare at the environment and we end up watching our steps, mindful to stay on the track and not to deviate into the bush.

As we start to wonder when we shall arrive at the first Hut we see a wooden backyard stand peeping above us and we

are relieved. We have reached Miriakamba Hut

As we start to wonder when we shall arrive at the first Hut we see a wooden backyard stand peeping above us and we are relieved. We have reached Miriakamba Hut

Day 2

The next day we assemble at the start of the next route we pray and start our next journey. We climb to the big valley, then up to the saddle area. our goal is Saddle Hut. There we will relax for a while and then continue hiking up to Little Meru. We stay overnight in Saddle hut and sleep early because we will get up again very soon.

We will have hiked about 5 hours and reached a height of 3570m by the end of the day.

Summit Day

We get up at midnight and after a light breakfast we are ready for our ascent to the summit. The trail is steep and rocky it will take us 5-6 hours to reach Meru Peak, the second highest peak in Tanzania at 4566m.

Finally after, a series of seemingly endless climbs we finally saw the flag and our energy was revived.

We thank God for making us reach the Top as there was no sign of human life and none of his sounds , except ours, just the sky, the sun, the sea of cloud under our feet, Mt Kilimanjaro to the east and our mountain Meru. Seeing all these splendid stuff; we glorify God for his wonderful works.


Eng. Kottini: Automotive dream realized

Q: Tell us about your early life?

A: I was born in 1961 at Nyaburundu village in Musoma, Mara region. I started standard one- 1972-1978 at Gongoni Primary School in Tabora. In 1979-1982 I joined Ifunda Technical Secondary school, a special school by then where I took Mechanical Engineering with specialization in Automotive Engineering.

In 1983-1986, I joined the then TCA (Now ATC) where I took Automotive Engineering. In 1986-1987, I joined JKT at Massange in Tabora for National Service. Thereafter, I joined TANAPA as senior Technician in Automotive Department at Serengeti National Park in 1987.

In 1989 I rejoined TCA (now ATC) not as a student but this time as a Grade IIIA teacher. I went for further studies i.e. diploma course in Technical Education at Dar es Salaam Technical College (DTC).

Between 1991-1993 I went to Germany for Advanced Training in Automotive Engineering. Upon my return to Tanzania in 1993, I went to

Complete Diploma in Technical Education at Klerru Teachers’ Technical Colle

In 2002-2005, I returned at Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) to take advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering then for Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive Engineering at National Transport Institute (NIT) between 2009-2013.

Currently, I’m a Workshop Manager in the Automotive Engineering Department

at Arusha Technical College.

Q2: What are your tasks at Arusha

Technical College?

I’m still teaching at the department of Automotive, planning and s u p e r v i s i n g all activities at

the Automotive E n g i n e e r i n g

workshop. Also, I provide consultancy

services in the automotive field at the College.

Eng. Joseph Kottini is one of the alumni of the Arusha Technical College formerly known as Technical College Arusha (TCA). He graduated in 1989 with full Technician Certificate in Automotive Engineering. Our staff writer Gasto Leseiyo interviewed him recently on his experiences at ATC.

Students are making Head Lamps Beam setter Machine as directed by Eng.

Joseph kottini

success story


Eng. Kottini: Automotive dream realized

Q3: Why did you choose to major in automotive engineering and noT in any other technical discipline?

“It is simple. When he was young I was interested more in cars and my dream was to become a driver. It reached a point when I was dreaming to make a car that could fly like aero plane. In short I can say automotive engineering was flowing in my blood’’.

Q4: Have you ever thought of giving up?

“In my entire life is all about struggling. I’ve never given up and my above short history can justify what I’m telling you”.

Q5: is there any challenge in your daily activities?

“Yes! Managing such a huge automotive workshop someone has to burn the candle in both ends. It is very hectic because all students from first year to third year need to pass in the automotive workshops for skills acquirement. But I thank God that I can handle this and other challenges because at ATC we work as a team.’’

Q6: A word to students willing to become automotive engineers

Vehicles need people who are careful because they carry people and valuable property. Automotive industry needs youths because it keeps changing every day due to advancement of technology and other innovations hence they’ve to work hard if they want to realize their dreams.

Students are setting Dynamic Ignition Timing Using Stroboscope under Supervision of Eng. Joseph Kottini

Students are trained how to use Computerized Diagnostic Instrument by Eng. Joseph Kottini


Pictorial CornerThe Vice President of the URT. H.E Dr. Mohamed Gharib Bilal greets the Arusha Technical College’s Rector, Eng. Dr. Richard Masika on arrival at Arusha Airport for CAPA International Conference organized by ATC November 2013. Next him is Rector of the National Institute of Transport (NIT), Eng. Dr. Zacharia M. D. Mganilwa

Women Staff at Arusha Technical chasing a Hen

during the ATC Family day held June 2014 at

the college Campus

Two JICA Irrigation Advisors from Arusha Technical College (ATC) Mr. Kakashi Katsumi and Nobuyoshi Fujiwara looking at the Soil samples taken from the Bore hore site at ATCO-ljoro Irrigation Training Farm. Standing Looking is the Deputy HoD of Civil Mr.Humuri K. Haymale


Pictorial Corner

The Electrical Engineering Department (EED) Staff celebrate with their fellow staff David Mang’ehe after beating the Mechanical Engineering Department during the

ATC Family Bonaza held June 2014. The EED emerging the Overall winner of theDepartmental Football Competition

Deputy Rector Academics, Research and Consultancy, Eng. Dr. Masudi Senzia gives his closing remarks at during the closing of the Entrepreurship Course conducted to ATC Staff organized by PUM

Arusha Technical College Female Staff carry a

Banner with a theme ‘Chochea Mabadiliko

kuleta uswa wa Kijinsia’ to mark International Women’s Day on 8th

March, 2014.

ATC- Staff Football Team pose for group photo during the AUWSA Bonanza held at General Tyre grounds recently. ATC beats Arusha All Stars 3-2

Dr. Odongo Odiyo, from Central and Southern

Africa Health Community, Delivering a Public

Lecture on Cancer to Arusha Technical College

Students during the Cancer Awareness Month on 3rd

October, 2014

18 ATC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 ATC NEWSLETTER

Higher learning education institu-tions in Tanzania have the role to produce specialists of different

fields. Moreover, the institutions have great chances to solve various challeng-es that face this nation. For this reason, Arusha Technical College (ATC) has suc-cessfully used skills and knowledge of its students and their lecturers to innovate simple technologies to solve the elec-tricity shortage in rural setting.

Engineer Urbanus Melkior is the Head of Electricity Engineering Department at the College who believes that if stu-dents and their academicians work to-gether they can solve the electricity problem facing many villages in Tanza-nia. In translating this idea into reality, the engineer says that, ATC has come up with a simple machine for produc-ing electricity which has been branded as ‘Mini hydro Turbines. The good news

about this technology is that, amid the shortage of water on the earth surface, it uses very little water to generate pow-er!

Cross –flow turbine Runner fabricated at ATC Mechanical Engineering Work-shop

“In the year 2011 there was a great power blackout. It was a time when people Could stay for up to 11 hours with no electricity. This was actually what made us to think about the solution for this prob-lem,” says the Head.

Explaining the process-es that ena-bled this idea to materialize, Eng. Melkior says his Department in collaboration with Mechanical Engineer-ing Department managed to come up with the ma-chine which was installed at Makumira in Arumeru district.

The Mini hydro Turbines, ac-cording to Eng. Melkior, can produce electricity using little water. To assure how effective the technology is, estimated 20 households are beneficiaries of this simple technology.

“What we are doing is to Construct the machine and install where there is a need. After that, we handover to the vil-lagers to operate and maintain it,” he adds.

“After installing the machine, the next activity is to let water enter in it or re-duce water from it. Also the care taker of machine should make sure that the fric-tion part of machine is lubricated. Any-body can do this works,” he explains.

Apart from Makumira, other areas

ATC COMES WITH AFFordAblE hydro-power generator

“In the year 2011 there was a great power blackout. It was a time when people Could stay for up to 11 hours with no electricity. This was actually what made us to think about the solution for this problem,”

The Prime of the URT, Hon. Mizengo Pinda receives explanation from Arusha Technical College’s Staff, Frank Moshi (1st left) on how the Min-hydro Turbine works when he visited the College 2011. Behind the Prime Minister is the Arusha Regional Commissioner, Hon. Magesa Stanslaus Mulongo.

By Gasto Leseiyo

19ATC NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 NOVEMBER - APRIL 2015 ATC NEWSLETTER

where such technology is installed are Morogoro, Iringa , Katavi, Njombe and Ruvuma.

A Min- hydropower Turbine designed by ATC under Performance test

The motive behind

The innovation of the machine which has proved to be more

economical for the lower income com-

munities in the rural setting

has motivat-ed students to invent

variety of technolo-gies pur-posely to help the s o c i e t y. “In our d e p a r t -

ment, we have 18

s t u d e n t s who have

chosen to be-come innovators.

After class hours, they remain at the

workshop, scratching their heads to come up with

something tangible that can help the community,” says the

engineer.

He adds, “… now they have in-vented the device that can kill mosquitoes, device for searching minerals and a simple technol-

ogy for producing chickens.”

The Head of Department believes that students are doing great because they have been given freedom. When the freedom is used effectively, something great can be invented; indeed the ATC students are devoted to do so for the community’s betterment.

Engineer Melkior went on explaining the plans to encourage innovation in Electrical Engineering Department by saying, since the beginning of this se-mester, every student is required to in-

novate anything that when sold, can cover all cost of his/her tuition fees.

According to him, this initiative will not only help students while they are at the campus but also after their studies at ATC. The innovation spirit, according to the academician, will refute the mindset of most of graduates that employment is everything and embark on self-em-ployment because they can innovate.

A Min- hydropower Turbine designed by ATC under Performance test

Cross -flow turbine Runner fabricated at ATC Mechanical Engineering Workshop

Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Hon. Leonidas Gama (Center) receives brief Information about

Kikuletwa hydropower station from Arusha Technical College (ATC) employee, Eng. Urbanus Merkior (first left)

when he visited the Station recently. The Station was given to ATC by Government for the purpose of Training

and production of electricity


Mr. Seba A. Maginga has joined ATC as Instructor I in Automotive Engineering Department

Ms. Mbula b. Kidesu has Joined ATC as Instructor II in the Automotive Engineering Department

Anold Seleman has joined ATC as Instructor I in the ICT Department

John P. Gunda has joined ATC as Instructor II in the Automotive Engineering Department

John Mwita Mgoge has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the General Studies Department

Michael Shundi has joined ATC as Instructor I in the Electrical Engineering Department

Juma Said has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the Transportation Engineering Department

Kefa G.Mkongwa has joned ATC as Assistant Lecturer in the Electrical Engineering Department

Sithole E. Mwakatage has joined ATC as Assistant Lecturer in the electrical engineering Department

Ally M. ngulugulu has joined ATC as Instructor II in the Electrical Engineering Department

Elineema w. Msuya has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the Civil Engineering Department

Kanyika c. lusato has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the Civil engineering Department

John c. Kisiri has joined ATC as Instructor II in the ICT Department

Juma P. Kasekwa has joined ATC as Instructor II in the Electrical Engineering Department

labani M. Kanyonga has joined ATC as Tutorial assistant in the General Studies Department

Ambrose Ghwanga has joined ATC as tutorial Assistant in the General Studies Department

bahati Kamwela has joined ATC as Instructor II in the ICT Department

Kastuli J. lulu has joined ATC as Game Tutor I in the Administration Department

lufunyo lupenza has Joined ATC as tutorial Assistant in the Electrical Engineering Department

cyliacus Selestine has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the Civil Engineering Department

deus Michael has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the Civil Engineering Department

Said Issa has joined ATC as Tutorial Assistant in the Civil Engineering Department

Kelvin o. Sanga has joined ATC as Internal Auditor

bahati Samwel Sulle has joined ATC as Instructor II in the Transportation Engineering Department

castory A. Mkumba has joined ATC as Senior Instructor I in the Automotive Engineering Department

neW emPloyees AT ATC


Sospeter I. Isambula has joined ATC as Instructor I in the General Studies Department

Peter Simalike has joined ATC as Instructor I in the ICT Department

baraka G. Mtakati has joined ATC as tutorial Assistant in the ICT Department

Sadati Abdallah has joined ATC as Senior Estate Officer

Augustino robert has joined ATC as Senior Procurement& Logistics Officer II

william Mpepo has joined ATC as Senior Planning Officer

Masudi Mbelwa has joined ATC as Technician I in the Electrical Engineering Department

ATC mouRns DiseAseD sTAff

Mr. Said h. bungara is currently Pursuing Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering at the University of Dar es Salaam. Mr. Bungara holds a BSc. In Civil and Structural Engineering from University of Dar es Salaam

Mr. halidini h. Sarakikya is currently pursuing PhD in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Mr. Sarakikya holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Power Systems and High Voltage from the University of Dar es Salaam

Mr. rustus Assey currently pursuing PhD in Computer Science at the University of Dodoma. Mr. Assey holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Pune-India

Mr. Moses Kirumbi is currently Pursuing Master’s Degree in sustainable Energy, Science and Engineering at the Nelson Mandela Institute of Science and Technology

Mr. Victor Meena is currently pursuing PhD in Construction Management at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. Mr. Meena a holds Master’s degree in Project Management

Mr. bovia Edwin is currently Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive engineering at the National Institute of Transport.

Mr. Shomari hassan is now the New Head of Civil Engineering Department with effect from 1st february 2014

Mr. Sebastian Qanne Slaa is now the head of General Studies Department with effect from 12th february 2014

Mr. humuri K. haymale is now the Deputy Head of Civil Engineering Responsible for Civil and Irrigation Engineering Program with effect from 1st february 2014.

Mr. Josephat d. Sengura has been appointed as Coordinator in- charge for Entrepreneurship Center with effect from 13th March, 2014.

StAFF dEVEloPMEnt APPoIntMEntS

Mr. nzoshe A. baraka is currently Pursuing Master’s Degree in Life and Environmental Science at university of Tsukuba in Japan.

the late daniel Msuliche

Arusha Technical College (ATC) staff were recently faced with shock when one of the Colleague passed away leaving them with Sad Memories.

This is Mr. daniel Msuliche who passed away on 24th April 2013 in a fateful Road Accident. The late Msuliche was Technician in the Automotive Engineering Department.

May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!

Cont’d pg 22>>>


Ms. donatha Mwase has been appointed as Coordinator for Entrepreneurship Center with effect from 13th March, 2014.

Pascal Jao has been appointed as Students Loan Officer with effect from 1st January 2014

Mr. Athumani omari has been appointed as Deputy Head of General Studies Department with effect from 29th August 2014.

Mr. Seba A. Maginga has been appointed as Deputy Head of Continuing Education Department with effect from 29th August 2014.

Humor

Three Engineers

There are three engineers in a car: an electrical engineer, a chemical

engineer and a Microsoft engineer. Suddenly the car engine shuts off, leaving the three engineers stranded by the side of the road. All three engineers looked at each other wondering what could be wrong. The electrical engineer suggests stripping down the electronics of the car and trying to trace where the fault might have occurred.

The chemical engineer, not knowing much about cars, suggests that maybe the fuel is becoming emulsified and getting blocked somewhere.

Then, the Microsoft engineer, not knowing much about anything, comes up with a suggestion, “Why don`t we close all the windows, get out, get back in, open the windows again, and maybe it`ll work!?”

An Engineer and a Lawyer

An engineer and a lawyer attended an interview separately. the Engineer was asked:

“If ten men cleared one hectare of land in ten hours how many hours would five men require clearing the same piece of land?

the engineer answered: “If ten men cleared one hectare for ten hours, then one man would re quire 10 X 10 hours. Therefore five men would require 10x10 divided by 5 i.e 20hours.”

the lawyer was asked the same question and he answered: “If ten men cleared one hectare of land for ten hours, then there would be no piece of land for any man to clear. Therefore five men would require zero hour.”

Sto ies

<<< Cont’d pg 21

APPoIntMEntS


By Gasto Leseiyo

The Automotive Engineering Department has won the 2014 Inter-Departmetal Sports Competition Cup after 3-1 win over Mechanical engineering Department in the final at ATC sports ground.

AviTH sCoRes THRiCe As AuTomoTive lifT 2014 Inter-Departmental SportS Cup

The Automotive Engineering Department Staff and students in a Joyous Mode after winning the 2014 Inter-Departmental Cup

Best Player, Avith Kandubuka(left), receives his prize from the Arusha Technical College’s Rector, Dr. Richard Masika (right)


The Automotive forward Avith Kandubuka was Departmental’s hero, after netting unforgettable

hat-trick against Mechanical Engineer-ing Department team to bring his team a trophy for the first time.

He started his scoring mission against Mechanical Department in the first half after scoring two goals to give the Mechanical goalkeeper Amadeus Shoo No chance.

Mechanical scorer Johannes Jonas continued to torment the automotive deference, but to no avail, cheered on by the home fans, Avith made it 3-1in the second half with a good ground shot.

‘I am so happy to score three goals in the tournament and lead automotive team to victory’ Avith told the reporter after the final Match.

It had taken Automotive team many years to win the Inter-Departmental sports Competition organized each year by College Management, a point the Department Head was aware of. ‘’This is great and I praise the players for the job well done’’ said Mr. Abdu Semvua

The second winner, the Mechanical engineering Department receives goat Prize

<<< Cont’d from pg 23

I am so happy to score three goals in the tournament and lead automotive team to victory’

The Champion, the Automotive Engineering Department prizes


Cyliacus Selestine

Julius Malimbwi

Jefta Julius

John Stephano

Ahmad Kivambe

Juma A. foum

Musa S.Kupaza

Lupyana Haule

Marichela Maisha

Maxmillian Joseph

Mohamed Ulenga

Nehemiah Chacha

Philemon John

Saidi Issa

Salvatory E.Matemu

Solomon Raphaely

bACHeloR’s DegRee in Civil AnD iRRigATion engineeRing

There is no doubt that, water has be-

come a very crucial element vital to

life on earth. Every farmer, weather

small-scale or larger- scale knows quite

well that if there is no water, there are no

plants growing and so there is no food.

Water is therefore an essential resource to

farmers. Its management to a great extent

determines how successful a farming

enterprise is or can be. Many farmers in

Tanzania and Arusha in particular depend

on rain to satisfy the water requirements of

their farms.

Unfortunately due to the climatic changes

fuelled by global warming, this rainfall is

often low, erratic and unreliable and since

water availability is the limiting factor

to plant growth. Indeed, this is a time

farmers get involved into alternative way

to minimize risks on rain-fed agriculture.

More and more farmers need to be aware

of these problems and installing irrigation

systems on their farms.

The most reliable and more economical

irrigation technology is Drip Irrigation, a

highly efficient way to water; it saves time

and helps to conserve precious supplies

of clean water. Studies show that a well-

designed drip system uses at least 30

percent and in some cases 50 percent

less water than other methods of watering

such as sprinkling. This is because a drip

Irrigation system delivers water directly to

the root zone of the plant, where it seeps

slowly, into the soil, one drop at a time.

Almost no water is lost through surface

runoff or evaporation and soil particles

have plenty of opportunity to absorb and

hold water for plants. It also means very few

nutrients leach down beyond the reach of

the plant roots.

Furthermore, since drip irrigation delivers

water directly to the plant less water is

wasted on weeds. The water surfaces

between the plants also remain drier, which

discourages weed seeds from sprouting.

Drip irrigation: every drop countsWillison Munenwa

fredy Edwin Mboye

Goodluck Swai

Chagula J Mihayo

Asmin Turra

By Gasto Leseiyo

Cont’d pg 25>>>

ATC fiRsT bATCH 2013


Drip Irrigation: every drop countsWHy DRIP IRRIGATIoN?

Drip irrigation permits you to produce

crops the whole year-much more than

the rain fed irrigation it has many other

advantages such as:

• It is very efficient; this is because

water soaks into the soil before it can

evaporate or run off

• Water is supplied to the soil around

the plant. This means that less water is

wasted, while high moisture conditions

are maintained close to the roots of

the plant. This makes drip irrigation

appropriate for area where water is

scarce.

• Drip Irrigation is easy to install and

can be inexpensive if locally available

material are used

• It allows you to add soluble nutrients

into the water, so they can be fed

directly. This economizes on your

fertilizer use.

• It gives a higher yield because you can

plant on both sides of the pipe

• It helps reduce diseases associated with

excess moisture on some plants

• Drip irrigation can be used in fields that

have uneven landscape

• It decrease weed populations. Since

water is applied close to the roots of the

plants, the soil surface between rows is

dry, so the weeds cannot grow.

• The drip irrigation system does the

watering without labor and reduces

costs

Criteria for choosing Drip Irrigation

system for small scale farmers

Using clean water is very important in Drip

Irrigation. Water from the ponds, rivers and

wells may contain some particles that can

block the holes that release water to the

plants. Hence it necessary to have filter to

remove these particles. The best way, for

small scale farmers who cannot afford to

own filter at beginning, is to let water run

through a piece of cotton or socks when

filling the bucket or drum.

THE BUCKET KIT SySTEM:

This system is ideal for growing vegetables

in small home gardens during the long dry

season. The bucket kit consists of fittings

and 30 meters of irrigation drip tape

connected to a 20 litre bucket. The bucket

is placed at least 1 meter above the ground

so that the gravity provides enough water

pressure to ensure even water for the

entire crop.

Water is poured into the bucket twice

daily and passes through a filter, it fills the

drip tape and evenly distributed to 100

watering points. The multi-chambered

plastic drip tape is engineered to dispense

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, Prof. Sifuni Mchome (c ) listening tentatively to Arusha Technical College Students who explains to him how drip Irrigation method works during his recent visit at the Institution. On the right side looking is the Rector of ATC, Eng. Dr. Richard Masika.

water through openings spaced at 30 cm.

A seedling is planted at each wet spot so

that all the moisture is absorbed directly

by the plant roots.

THE DRUM IRRIGATIoN SySTEM

The drum system will cover a garden 6.5

metres wide and 16 metres long. The drum

kit is used to cover five planting beds and

therefore the plant population depends on

the type of crops grown. Water is supplied

from a 200-litre drum that is fixed on a

platform at a height of at least 1 metre

above the ground.

THE 1/8 FARM SySTEM

This system covers 1/8 of an acre (a

15 metre x 30 metre plot). A platform

2 metres high is constructed to create

enough water pressure. A drum with a

capacity of 1000 litres would be ideal to

supply enough water per day.

RECoMMENDATIoN To THE

GoVERNMENT:

Since water has become a scarce

commodity, Government through the

Ministry of Agriculture can introduced

cost sharing for farmers in

the installation of drip/micro

irrigation systems. This will

improved crop yield, less

applied water and will reduce

subsurface draining water

and surface tail water. Hence

benefits farmers.

<<<Cont’d pg 25

Bucket drip is the simplest system

Drip Irrigation as it is a highly efficient way to water; it saves time and helps to conserve precious supplies of clean water.


By Urbanus Melkior

National Council for Technical Edu-

cation (NACTE) has so far regis-

tered 323 technical institutions

which offer technical skills from NTA level

4 to 8. These institutions have developed

their own curriculum after conducting

situation analysis for the skills that will be

offered.

Also NACTE validates the curricular

as well as recognizing the capacity for

these technical institutions in running

the programs. Furthermore, Ministry of

Education and Vocation Training, through

its directorate of Vocational Training, has

so far registered 819 both public and

private VET providers.

Most of these technical and VET

(TVET) institutions have workshops

and laboratories which were equipped

in 1990’s. Today there is a number of

advancement in technology with more

less or no investment in workshops and

laboratories training facilities which

resulted in the production of graduates

with skill gaps. The skill gaps force our

graduates to seek jobs rather than

creating jobs for others, consequently

resulting to unemployment situation for

the most of them.

Tanzania is losing large amount of

domestic revenue due to importation of

substandard and counterfeit products.

Popular counterfeit products include

cloths, mobile phones, building material

and foot-wear. others that may be

harmful as recognized worldwide are

human and veterinary pharmaceuticals,

electrical goods, specialized technical

items and components, cosmetics, eye-

wear including sunglasses. Most of these

counterfeit products are not necessarily

imported but can be fabricated in the

country only if the TVET institutions train

using high Tech training facilities as well

as researching on small machines which

should increase employment in terms of

value addition to products.

As trained and skilled TVET graduates

Role of technical institutions inpromoting innovations

migrate from rural to urban area each year

the production in the area declined. Also

the products produced are not processed

(Value added) hence are sold at a low

price which cannot meet production cost

leaving rural residents in poverty.

The Government through TVET has

to do research on small machines like

packaging machines, milling machines,

milk and food processors, shoes making,

and others for value addition to farm

products. These value addition machines

have to be installed at least at district level

for value addition creating employment

hence stopping migration of people from

rural to urban and increase income from

agricultural products.

Further to that, TVET institutions

have to train the graduates on Biogas

technology. The Government has to

promote it by paying construction

cost while the farmers have to buy

construction material. These will attract

the TVET graduate to go back to their

villages promoting biogas technology as

the major source of energy for lighting

and cooking and income generation to

them. These will save sources of water

and forest hence conserving the nature

(no one will cut trees for lighting and

cooking).

Female Student from Transportation Engineering in Practical session off class hours

Female Student in the Mechanical Engineering Workshop

In the Science Laboratory

28 atc Newsletter NOVeMBer - aPrIl 2015

Solar Power in TAnzAniA:Engine for people centered economy

Life without electricity might feel like prophetic relation or so called the end time scenario or to the end of the

world in general, but for those living in rural Tanzania it is a fact of everyday life. Accord-ing to Ministry of Energy figures of February, 2014, only 24% of the Tanzania population has access to electricity, rural areas are vir-tually disconnected from the National grid.

As we know, for any development to take place electricity is very important and the evidence is before our eyes every day. Business requires a steady supply of energy to produce goods and services electricity allows school children to study after sun set and hospitals need it to save lives. Insufficient or irregular energy supply is associated with significant economic cost for business and households. Lack of access to clean energy also creates myriad of health and environmental hazards such indoor pollution from cooking on traditional open- fire stoves and deforestation.

benefiT of solAR PoWeR:

Solar energy can be well established in many rural areas and can be

used for power generation, water heating, detoxification, telecommunications and transport at an industrial level; water pumping, vaccine refrigeration and electrification; lighting, cooking and running of modern appliances at domestic level.

With the potential to enhance both social and economic aspects of village

life in remote areas, rural solar electrification faces very

different challenges to those faced by urban

projects. Food preservation and pumping systems reduce hunger and improve access

to safe drinking water respectively.

Recent solar-panel cost reductions have

broadened the range of economical applications for solar water pumps, enabling farmers to irrigate crops.

Following successful implementation, solar-powered lighting enables shopkeepers to conduct business for longer time without resorting to dangerous, naked-flame light sources. Schools and clinics can run refrigeration and telecommunications. Rural electrification means that residents can safely gather during the hours of darkness and children can study longer. Communities can power perimeter security and support emergency medical care.

Workshops, small scale industry can be built as a result of increasing job opportunities in the rural setting. This can however avert the current rural-urban migration trend because young people who majority are unemployed in urban can stay in their respective areas and engage in production.

Solar Power can be used in rural areas to pump water for

Irrigation

Traffic lights power by Solar power

Solar power for charging cell phone in rural Africa

A Customer enjoying the extension of productive hours with solar lighting

by Gasto leseiyo

Documents

ATCnewsletter november 2014