The $R24.1 million ($US3.5 million) water conservation project was selected by FIFA because of its long-term sustainability and creative application of available resources.

Sliplining and pipe bursting were used for the majority of the work, as the project aimed to minimise disturbances to businesses and the public.

The project sought to eliminate the Green Point Urban Park’s dependency on potable water, and ensure that water used for irrigation is managed efficiently so that one of the city’s scarcest resources is not wasted.

The city’s water and sanitation department approved the project following the completion of a feasibility study by Arcus Gibb in July 2008.

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The study explored various options for the irrigation of the Green Point Urban Park and identified the use of available spring water as the most practical and economical option.

Using existing infrastructure

Two possible routes were considered for the pipeline. The decision was made to use an abandoned, existing water pipeline through the city to minimise construction and disruption to the public, rather than constructing a new pipeline route.

Most of this pipeline had been abandoned, with only two sections still in use.

Sliplining and pipe bursting were selected for the replacement of the abandoned pipeline as these techniques require minimal excavation and therefore lessen disruption to the public during the construction period.

Excavations were only done at strategic sections along the route in order to place the equipment for the sliplining.

The city’s water and sanitation department contributed $R17.7 million ($US2.5 million) to the project, and the remainder was funded from the 2010 FIFA World Cup budget.