Recap of Omiflo’s Wastewater Management Crisis in Africa Webinar

On 17th July 2024, the Omiflo team organized a webinar via the LinkedIn Online platform which sought to address the wastewater management crisis in Africa, moderated by Sebawali Mwakai and featuring expert presentations by Mirriam Kamau (CEO of Kenya Cast) and Mshila Sio (Founder of Omiflo), with 78 attendees. The event focused on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. Mshila Sio presented Omiflo's Phytofix Solution, which utilizes floating aquatic plants and beneficial microorganisms for wastewater treatment, emphasizing sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Sio also discussed potential applications near mines for heavy metal contamination, noting that exploration is ongoing. Mirriam Kamau highlighted Kenya Cast's core offering of biological septic tanks made of highly vibrated concrete, which ensures quality and durability. She explained that black water undergoes sedimentation and bacterial action within the tank, while grey water is directed to a soakage area via a grease trap.

During the Q&A session, Sio confirmed that their system involves bacterial inoculation. Dr. Milred Airo inquired about the potential use near mines, to which Sio responded that the process is in the pipeline. Kamau discussed challenges like duplication, competition, and government payment delays, without specifying maintenance costs. James Waweru asked about installation costs for a system for 500 people. Sio stated that it costs a minimum of around 300,000 Kenya Shillings, with Kamau adding that costs vary with pipework and toilet flushing requirements. Bennittes emphasized the importance of collaboration among young professionals and stakeholders through innovative solutions, knowledge-sharing networks, and alignment with global sustainability and public health targets. Both speakers noted challenges such as government delays in payment and outdated policies.

SUSTAINABILITY OF OMIFLO'S PHYTOFIX SOLUTION AND KENYA CAST'S BIOLOGICAL SEPTIC TANKS

OMIFLO'S PHYTOFIX SOLUTION

Omiflo's Phytofix technology is highly sustainable due to several key factors:

1. Natural Processes:

   - Utilizes floating aquatic plants and beneficial microorganisms, avoiding chemical use and promoting a natural, eco-friendly treatment process.

2. Biodiversity:

   - Creates aquatic habitats, fostering biodiversity and enhancing local ecosystems.

3. Carbon Sequestration:

   - Promotes plant growth, contributes to carbon sequestration, and helps mitigate climate change.

4. Cost-Effectiveness:

   - Lower operational and maintenance costs compared to traditional treatment systems, making it economically sustainable.

5. Versatility:

   - Can be integrated into existing infrastructure or used as a standalone system, adaptable to various types of wastewater (domestic, industrial, agricultural).

6. Visual and Recreational Benefits:

   - Enhances the aesthetic appeal of water bodies and provides green spaces in urban areas, contributing to community well-being.

KENYA CAST'S BIOLOGICAL SEPTIC TANKS

Kenya Cast's biological septic tanks also demonstrate significant sustainability:

1. Durability and Quality:

   - Constructed from highly vibrated concrete, ensuring long-lasting and robust installations that reduce the need for frequent replacements.

2. Biological Treatment:

   - Utilizes bacterial action for the biodegradation of black water, converting waste into water and gases through natural processes.

3. Efficient Waste Management:

   - By directing grey water to a soakage area via a grease trap, the system effectively manages different types of wastewater, reducing environmental impact.

4. Resource Efficiency:

   - Minimizes the chemical instability of grey water through proper segregation and treatment, optimizing the system's overall efficiency.

5. Community Impact:

   - Can accommodate large populations (e.g., a system for 400 users), making it scalable and suitable for various community sizes.

Conclusion

Omiflo's Phytofix Solution and Kenya Cast's Biological Septic Tanks offer sustainable wastewater management solutions. Omiflo's system leverages natural processes and biodiversity, while Kenya Cast's focuses on durable, efficient waste treatment. Both approaches contribute to environmental sustainability and public health, making them viable options for addressing wastewater management challenges in different contexts.

The webinar emphasized the importance of sustainable wastewater management and encouraged collaborative efforts among professionals and stakeholders. Future steps include exploring further applications of Phytofix technology, involving young people in the field of innovation for better results on public engagements fostering partnerships, and advancing research in wastewater solutions.