In 1996 and 1997, plans by the Namibian government to construct a water pipeline from the Eastern National Water Carrier at Groofontein to the Okavango River at Rundu for the purpose of alleviating drought conditions were met with concern by Botswana. Questions about the necessity for the proposed water extraction, the lack of regional consultation and about the use of the same consultants to prepare both feasibility and environmental studies were raised, and Botswana implemented its own review process. With the arrival of good rains in Namibia the project was not carried out, but the issue clearly remains a challenge, especially to the regional planning body, OKACOM.