₦airaland Forum

Even to read up and research more about the solution is a big problem for us.

Of course, I don't expect us as a lazy country to do anything about it than to condemn the solution in its entirety since it's in our DNA that everything must be done for us like an underdeveloped country that we are.

... setting up a simple filtration system now a rocket science.

bobkezel:
The main concern is not the flush of condom or diapers inside the toilet, but the fact that you can't wash your toilet with bleach and detergent.

Once again, if the installation is right there's nothing to worry about.

Ghana is not like Nigeria where we "how" good solutions to death instead of "wow-ing" it to life.
They already worked a fix for the filtration system installed in the biodigester. The government supported the initiative.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QOwOhQLwIc

GoodFaith:
The issue here is not about implementing the technology
The question are what are the advantage and disadvantages ?
Cost pf ownership
I can tell you good and bad stories about tenants in the develop country
You will find baby wipe in there
Tenants don't follow rule
Tenants will do stuff to just cost you money
There are loft of good tenants

Let’s ask ourselves a simple question.

Which is easier to maintain?
Which is cheaper to maintain?
Which is quicker to install?
Which offers more for less?

If a tenant flush baby wipe in a traditional septic tank and biodigester, which is quicker to identify and fix?

Traditional septic you think?

Think of the cost of opening your chambers to locate the wipe and remove.

You don’t need that in a well installed biodigester. A 6 year old can do the necessary maintenance without worries.

_________

In the pic attached, I specifically requested for the system to be opened for me to see what inside.

It was done in seconds. No thrills or frills.

That’s why I said if you don’t know something, don’t condemn it.

bobkezel:
This is Nigeria.

Of course, it is. There definitely must be a problem with every solution that works elsewhere.

For the records, the biodigester solution started in Ghana about a decade ago and has received heavy funding from the United Nations.

Let’s just stay with our conventional stuffs. This is Nigeria!

#ParalysisByAnalysis

bobkezel:
Should I buy it for my tenants or should they buy it themselves? Or I should add it in their house rent?

Smiles.

Why don’t you find out how many detergents was handed over to the numerous users in Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, US, India etc where the solution has been deployed among the poorest of the poor?

diordaves:
Bio Digester has two major flaws which make it not ideal in certain situations:

#1. Bleach and detergent shouldn't be used to wash the WC. All major WC cleaning products contain bleach or detergents. Another product is baby wipes. Increasingly, families are using baby wipes as even substitutes for tissue paper. Baby wipes contain plastics which adversely affect the efficiency of Bio Digester. A number of Bio Digesters either fail as a result or need constant and sometimes expensive maintenance. Over time the cost efficiency will be lost.

#2. Bio Digesters are sceptic tanks. That is, for optimum efficiency ONLY toilet waste should go into Bio Digester and wastewater from bath and kitchen should go to public drains. In a situation where the site has no public drain (gutter) and wastewater is channelled into the Bio Digester, it will struggle to cope with intense usage from a commercial building of for example 4 - 6 flats design. If one has impermeable soil like red laterite, the Bio Digester will fail in no time.

So Bio Digester is only very efficient in very specific situations. You may want to educate us more on the above.

I guess you're speaking for you. Well, there's no credible source to back up your claim so I'd take it as a beer parlour gist.

Please take good time to read up what credible research organizations (worldwide) have to say about biodigester and biogas solution and stop....


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You're talking ordinary 4-6 flats where a church that has over 1,000 members is using the solution. I don't know if the 4 flats you talk about has more occupants that the number of customers visiting GTBank Chevron, Lagos.

Not knowing is not a problem. Not knowing that you don't know is the actual issue here.

In Nigeria, there's always a problem for every solution. ~ Brabus

This is one of it!

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Read up from credible source:

The Power of Dung Lessons Learned from On Farm Biodigester
https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/468451557843529960/pdf/The-Power-of-Dung-Lessons-Learned-from-On-Farm-Biodigester-Programs-in-Africa.pdf

Bio-toilets - Sustainable Solution to India’s Sanitation Challenge
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/partnership/?p=2618

Reinvent the Toilet Fair India 2014 (varieties of alternative solutions)
https://docs.gatesfoundation.org/documents/Reinvent%20the%20Toilet%20Fair%20India%202014%20Technical%20Guide.pdf

While we were discussing red, I decided to go through some of my books on Buildings in US and Asia and I found this interest red-roof building in mexico

The gauge of Aluminum used for the roof is what particularly draw my attention . 0.5mm gauge or am I dreaming?

Is it the same 0.5mm gauge as we have it here?

gbadexy:
Chief, even the cladding color would fade later if it is bright shade.
¹ Very bright colors are ideal for internal only as the colourants are synthesized and fades under sunlight.
Perhaps red is more notorious than other shades in reflecting background, we learn everyday. I will take special note.

gbadexy:
² Red is not a usual color for internal so I won't be able to get you much pictures.
The first picture is a shade of red satin inside.
The second picture is a close shade of red for external matte.

Thank for sharing sir. Points well noted.

So where exactly is RED good in a house?

If ¹ it fades under sunlights and ² is more notorious in reflecting background.

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Before I share stuffs like this, I've done my research and findings I can tell you that shade of RED always bring drama when not used in right mix and proportion in a house.

Anyone with a great red house (from any part of the world) apart from Guru Marhaji village in Ibadan should please share with us.

Red as a colour does not perform very well whether indoor or outdoor.

It reveals imperfections.
It fades faster than any other colour in extreme conditions.
It only do well on 3D models and when you're using cladding instead of a paint.

gbadexy:
The screeding was poorly done, the wall most likely faces the window and has more regular exposure to light than other colors and intense colors have much higher sheen and reflection than lighter shades of the same product.

I won't contest this though but try run a google search on "red wall paint" and see what comes up. The same wall with a different paint looks great in other rooms except in areas where there are red whether with a screed or not.

I have a red accent kitchen but I toned it down with some nice tiles that you'd never feel like you're in a RED room. I'd only use red to accent a wall.

Do you mind showing me picture of a great all-red room? I want to learn.


________

Pic 1 - Boring Red Kitchen Wall
Pic 2 - Red Kitchenette, Chateau De Brabus, 2013

Before, During & After | Chateau De Brabus, 2013

When it comes to quality finish, I do my best to screed the wall and use the best paint available.

______

Before, During & After | H52 by NextHome

ceelog:
Okay...lemme ask you

Is there any thing like washable matte or satin paint?

I ask because it is said that silk reflects wall screed and it may show its mistakes.

This reminds me of what happened in 2011

It's not just silk but certain colours (eg. red silk) reveal imperfections. I'd never forget my arsenal fan client who asked for red silk on a renovated wall.

Everything was fine (the screeded wall; blue wall; magnolia wall, intense truffle wall etc) until the wall was painted RED satin. It's even far worse when you have red in a very small and narrow space. You'll feel like you're in hell.


_________

Pic 1 - 3 - Before, During and After
Pic 4 - Blue Satin Wall

MrOkenwa:
Boss, can biofil serve a house with about 35-40 occupants?
They consume about 2,000 liters of water everyday.

In one of the pictures shared above was a church. If it can serve public buildings, why not? Though the size varies per building size and intended use.

You can check the one installed at GTB Chevron branch

_________

Also, the volume water is no issue as the water is immediately harvested and converted for other purpose (sprinkling, gardening, washing) or connected directly to public drain in the one I've seen installed. The water doesn't smell.

I shared this before in 2016:

COMPARISON: SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM vs BIOFIL® TOILET DIGESTER

Septic Tank: A large underground reservoir is needed to store waste from the flush toilet.

Biofil: The Biofil system is smaller to septic system and there is no need for reservoir for the same number of user

Septic Tank: Soil conditions (such as rocky and clayey soil or areas with high water tables) may make it difficult or inadvisable to excavate.

Biofil: The ground does not need to be excavated to be installed; it can be placed above the ground.

Septic Tank: The waste from the system when extracted requires further treatment before releasing into the environment.

Biofil: No further treatment is required, as the solid waste is rapidly decomposed.

Septic Tank: The waste decomposed under anaerobic condition, creating a semi-solid sludge. Harmful gases (methane and hydrogen sulphide) are also released.

Biofil: The biofil toilet operates under aerobic conditions as liquid waste is immediately filtered out. The only bye products of the system are water and carbon-dioxide.

Septic Tank: The reservoir may get filled up with waste and leak or overflows requiring its contents to pump out.

Biofil: It does not get full, leaks or overflows and there is no need to extract waste.

Septic Tank: An improperly designed or ill maintained septic tank system leads to pollution of the ground water

Biofil: The danger of ground water pollution is minimal, as all feces is removed from the biofil digester and waste water is discharged into the biologically- active layer of the soil (top soil).

Septic Tank: The septic system requires inspection chambers in addition to the tank, and the tank must be placed at the vantage point in order for the dumping truck to easily access it.

Biofil: There is never a need for evacuation of the biofil digester, it can be sited anywhere within the compound.

Septic Tank: A damaged or collapsed septic tank can affect the foundation of the building as it is normally sited closed to the main building.

Biofil: Biofil cost the same in the urban and rural setting whereas septic tank cost is location determined (waterlogged or dry land, hilly site or table flat etc)


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Pics: Some of their installations in Lagos

dapotemi:
Pls house, have been reading about this bio-Digester soakaway... Pls what are the pros and cons? Would you recommend it against the conventional soakaway? I am yet to see any of you talk about it or even try it, or recommend it for your client. What do you all think about it? Can you recommend it?

I've seen and experienced this when it first hit town (in 2014 or thereabout) and adopted by most GTBank branches in Lekki. The guy who did the installations is an old member of this forum but he's no longer reachable. He had a lot of verifiable installations in many buildings and estates around Lagos. Here's the link to the company's official website: https://www.biofilcom.net/our-products/

I would have been able to share more details on the system and its efficiency but the installation wasn't done in my personal build.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fk4c3oVAu4

The company's design is not all those traditional builts seen around. It's all-in-one box precast solution that's shipped to your site and installed within few hours.

My final word on this is that the bio-digester solution is great when done right. I recommend Biofilcom (see their logo below)

multikolour:
I was at a store to buy my entrance door and I was shown two different doors base on my level.

1) turkey door for 140,000
2) Germany door for 130,000

But I asked the owner/seller what is the difference between the two but he could only say the country of origin.
Because he could not give a good reason I just transfer 50k to his account and left the shop to return when I get the difference between the two.
so house what is the difference between the turkey and the German door?
Thank you in advance

michlins:
all of them are from China. My Igbo brothers just term it differently probably because of minor difference in price.


We all know that Germany isn't known for making doors and even if they do, expect their starting price to be above 500,000.

I go with michilins on this. I do buy German furnitures but their price tag is very hefty and we get them through special import.

Both doors are from China and they'll work fine under right condition.

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Pic - Made in Germany Mid-Century Modern Petal Chair inside NextHome H52

Adeoba10:
Please, Is it advisable to drill a borehole during rainy season?

You can drill a borehole in any season.

From Kobocity Self Builder’s Lounge | Chronicle of Sir Tomaths’ Crib (100% Owner-Managed Build)

>> https://www.kobocity.com/d/80-first-time-owner-builder/315

diordaves:
Please also add you are speaking for me.

Just as expected na.

Make hin go carry him cross

I’ve been here for a while so I know the traditions that’s why I asked him to talk to the borehole contractor and be prepared to make concession because the jesus he seek is no longer here.

jabolo:
I appreciate this but ...




I do not expect a recommender (not 'referrer' as you call it - which implies getting some benefit in the transaction) to stand surety.

If I highlight a service provider based on my honest lived experiences, it is your own risk to transact with that person and I cannot be involved in any resulting shennanigans.

If that becomes part of the equation, this thread loses something further and is well on the road to being a hollow shell of giant adverts for solar batteries.

Ahem, I'm speaking for me too. Good day

You have a valid point!

Let me save this here for future reference.

n3xt:
The same way k-rod is fished through chambers, the same way it work here.

In fact it’s a lot more easier in chamberless system as the pipes aren’t deep down in the ground like we have in the chamber system.

Open the cap plug and fish. Simple.

If it didn't pose any problem passing the rods through Pic 1, I don't see how Pic 2 would be any issue.

topsy23:
Nice one but one observation, if the pipe is blocked and you need to use K-ROD to through the pipes.. hope it won't be a problem

The same way k-rod is fished through chambers, the same way it work here.

In fact it’s a lot more easier in chamberless system as the pipes aren’t deep down in the ground like we have in the chamber system.

Open the cap plug and fish. Simple.

diordaves:
First off; it is not a 'crime' to recommend someone. A recommendation is out of lived experience. So the 'highly respected Nairalander' is not part of this standoff. You sound disappointed at the 'highly respected Nairalander'. In my opinion, this shouldn't be. I could be wrong. Please feel free to correct me.

From experience (as we've been here before in the several past), you can only resolve such issues with peer (members) pressure on the contractor and in doing this you need to be transparent (open with the truth) and identify the contractor. This will give the contractor the platform to state their case or challenges. Only then can members of the forum make suggestions or pile pressure as the case may be.

I’d do things differently though.

I always take responsibility for anything, any project I or my representative handle (directly or indirectly).

Few weeks back, I stood for a contractor in here and the transaction nearly went south because of the contractors attitude. I was the one who was talking to the client and assuring him his job will be completed.

As a matter of fact, I took funds for the project and transferred directly to the account of the third party company involved after obtaining consent from the contractor, just to give the client some level of assurance.

It’s not good enough for referrer to fold arms in circumstance like this and expecting the parties involved to sort their issues by themself or to ask them to bring the issue to the public forum for debate.

The only reason I think Micgray100 felt safe to deal here is because someone stood surety for the contractor. And we do not need to mount pressure on matured adults all the time to solve minor issues.

Workplace conflicts, construction disputes are inevitable and they must be addressed maturely. This might mean dropping your emotions at the door, showing empathy and dealing with the issue from the roof.


______

Well I’m just speaking for me.

Chamberless Plumbing Line | Ibeju, Lekki

https://youtube.com/shorts/HJa2qjfBHYs?

I’m here to read comments of the youths

KolaShangOne:
Ermmmm.. Yes that's true.

The point is that when alot of people are expected to build in the same area, say 500 houses, the cost should be spread fairly.

[s]In your case, you built in a secluded area like rich people do.[/s]

In my case, I only paid 50k for transformer, 50k for development.. And we grade the roads twice a year.

No comment.

micgray100:
House.. Please advice me on what to do.. I gave a bore hole contract of 350k to a borehole driller.. The borehole driller was recommended by one of a highly respected Nairalander on this property section..
The borehole driller also insisted on mobilization before he can come to site

300k was paid......The guy came to site and started he job. The guy was yet to drill 15 meters before I heard the machine have develop fault...

for more than a month now... it has been excuses and excuses..
And I respect this referal Nairalander a lot..

I had to convince the borehole guy to buy the pipes from the money with him... which was priced 173k...
Now I am left with the job hanging now..

What should I do?.. How can I resolve this issue without causing much arguments...

I am not a wahala person...

Sorry my bro for what you’re currently experiencing.

I won’t expect anything meaningful from here though because we’ve walked this route before many years ago and the highly respected and reputable members you seek had no meaningful contributions to make. It’s like they rejoice in downfall of some folks here.

Try reach out to the borehole contractor and see how you can resolve amicably. You may have to make some unplanned expenses though.
If he hasn’t moved the faulty machine, just hold on to it till everything is resolved. That’s the only thing you can use to hold him.

I was in similar situation in 2013 and all I got here was “He was a fraud despite the fact that all evidence proved contract was awarded to a ‘reputable’ sub-contractor.” I even engaged a team of geologist led by a Prof at Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo to conduct the survey. Yet, we got no water.

Who gets the blame now? Because that’s all we know how to do best here.

You?
Or the borehole contractor?
Or the highly respected nairalander who recommended the borehole Contractor?


Once again, sorry for the inconveniences this might have caused you.
_______

I already placed caveat on borehole drilling outside Lagos.

KolaShangOne:
Nearly bought an Adron land early this year.

But then,

Land was selling for 3 million. I wanted to buy on promo for 1.8m..

But then..

My client has a house in same estate and the charges are just too much.

After buying land for 3 million, Documentation and development levy is almost 2 million.
After almost a decade, I'm still paying indirectly development fee in my not-Adron community

After paying 2 million for development, we were asked to pay another 400,000 just to tap light. And there are 3 Adron estates in that area, covering thousands of acres.

If every house pays 400,000 to tap light, Adron could be making billions from just Tapping electricity alone.

Although it has to be said that Adron does road repairs and provide over 130 concrete poles and cables to match.
To get electricity to my house, I spent over 1 million 9 years ago and I'm not inside Adron estate. 7 concrete poles with aluminum conductors. We just started contributing money for transformer again.... Guess what, I'm standing surety for the 500KVA transformer my friend is releasing to the community

But the charges are too much.

The amount we spend on road repairs annually is enough to build 5 lock up shops

I should mention that Land is sold in this area for 300,000 per plot.

Think good road, drainage, security, serene environment... If you can get all that elsewhere just go and create your own mini-estate. Adron no be by force!

There's always a price to pay for quality standard.

!! Lap Length !!

Are you wasting or saving rods?

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Pic 1 - Internet image
Pic 2, 3 & 4 - Lap Length from NexrHome project

Request!

I’m looking for this WPC Wall/Ceiling Panel (wood or pvc).

Anyone with information should please share.

Thanks.