With polls on mind, Shiv Sena, for the first time has taken up major development projects for the eastern suburbs in the civic budget to be presented on February 4. The budget for 2014-15 is expected to be around Rs32,565 crore, about 18% more than last year’s.
Until January 2014, the civic body has been able to spend only 28% of the total budget. However, civic officials say that several tenders have been issued and work orders will be issued shortly before the new budget.
The budget will be election budget with no additional taxes. The civic body plans to introduce Local Body Tax but could keep it on hold until elections. The focus of the new budget will remain on improving of road infrastructure, water supply, garbage collection system, improving information technology services to make it a better commercial centre to attract business. Pumping stations, ducts along roads, public toilets, beautification, civic amenities in private layout, one-window system for traders and extending licence period for five years.
Shiv Sena has been failing to woo voters from eastern suburbs where it has no legislator.
Earlier, importance was given to the western suburbs where most civic standing committee chairmen were based.
Here’s what the eastern suburbs could expect. Improvement of quality of water at Powai lake, developing of bird park and crocodile park in Powai, Mankhurd social park, 24 hours water supply, new underground water tunnel at Chembur to improve supply to far-end areas, new hospital in Bhandup and upgrading of two hospitals.
Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-poll-time-sop-shiv-sena-to-take-special-care-of-eastern-suburbs-in-coming-civic-budget-1959044
