World Plumbing Day Keren Yocette highlights importance of plumbing |11 March 2022
“Without plumbers, people wouldn’t be able to enjoy many of the conveniences of modern living.”
This is how Seychellois plumber and plumbing lecturer Keren Yocette describes the importance of plumbing.
Today, March 11, is World Plumbing Day and Seychelles NATION newspaper salutes all Seychellois plumbers whose job is very critical in a healthy and clean society.
Good plumbing is the reason that cities, towns and villages are clean. Without proper plumbing, all the human defecation and waste would remain in the cities, towns and villages. This would not only render an area unhabitual due to the foul smell but would also result in the spread of fatal diseases that may put an end to life.
Plumbing is so important to the world that Albert Einstein is claimed to have declared that if he could do it all over again, he would become a plumber.
Today we meet Seychellois plumbing lecturer Keren Yocette.
Yocette studied at the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) in 2009 and completed his studies in plumbing at certificate level. At the end of the one-year programme, he was awarded the best performer award, with an overall grade distinction.
After his certification, he worked for the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) as a plumber for two years. In 2014, he joined the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) as a debtor’s controller for four years.
In 2019, Yocette decided to join the SIT, not as a student, but this time as a lecturer. He has been with the training institution since and said he is proud to teach the next generation of Seychellois plumbers.
“To be involved in the world of plumbing is something that comes from deep inside of me as I know the trade is an art in itself and the demand for a plumber never ends.
“Being a lecturer and sharing my knowledge and experience with the youths is something I always look forward to as I am contributing to prepare the youths to join the labour market as trained plumbers,” said Yocette.
Yocette is well known as a football referee and this year he became a Fédération internationale de Football Association (Fifa) certified official, meaning he can officiate in international matches for the year 2022.
He has been refereeing for 15 years and this is the first time he gets a Fifa referee’s badge.
Compiled by Gerard Govinden
WORLD PLUMBING DAY TIMELINE
2600 B.C. ‒ The first system of pipes
The very first system of pipes to carry water from one place to another is built in the Indus Valley Civilisation.
1596 ‒ First flush toilet
For the Queen's house at Richmond Palace, John Harington invents the first flush toilet
1775 ‒ Patent of the design
Alexander Cumming, a Scottish watchmaker and inventor, is the first Englishman to patent the flush toilet design, which is still in use today and served as a predecessor to the contemporary toilet.
1937 ‒ First single-mixer tap
Alfred Moen, an American inventor, invents the first single-handle mixer tap after being inspired by scorching his hands with hot water from a two-handle faucet.
