The VMC has lined up developmental works worth a whopping Rs 110 crore in 1999-2000; in the past three years it has managed to spend barely 20 per cent of the outlay annually, including the councillors' quota and the administrative ward budget. In 1998-99, the figure was about Rs 29 crores and in 1997-98, Rs 13 crores.

Incidentally, hefty payments are still due on works completed in the financial year that ended on Wednesday; these will be met from the amount for 1999-2000.Apart from the councillors' lethargy in spending their quotas, the delay in the passing of the budget (which, in turn, delayed the clearance of the works backlog), inefficiency and lackluster monitoring make observers all the more sceptical about the VMC's ability to meet its optimistic target.

Let's consider the first point. Since there is no deadline for councillors' suggestions, ideas continue to trickle in till March 31. Naturally, this means the amount is carried into the next year.

Deputy Mayor Dinesh Choksi admits a deadline is necessary, but claims in the same breath that it's impractical, ``since councillors are used to suggesting things till the eleventh hour''. Former Deputy Mayor Bhupendra Patel, too, blames it on the councillors and says the suggestions are often delayed as councillors of the same area differ on issues.

While regretting that a deadline cannot be said, Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria promises the administration will meet councillors regularly to emphasise the need for early suggestions.

Moreover, according to an official, certain works in the fodwari budget are cancelled at the nth hour on the late realisation that they are not feasible. Patel attributes this phenomenon to the councillors' insistence on taking up works that serve their own purpose.

Delays sometimes affect important works. The laying of roads -- a major concern of the fodwari budget for 1998-99 -- for instance, has been held up by the VMC's sudden decision to adhere to Public Works Department standards.

To back up their optimistic target, Aloria and Choksi claim effective planning will help them achieve their ends. ``Money is no issue, whether loans are available or not'', Choksi says, adding that the VMC will be banking on proper supervision.

Work on 40 roads has already begun, he says, adding that with zonal supervision, things will move fast.

While admitting the task was challenging, Aloria claims the target will be achieved. ``Files will be monitored at every step and data have been computerised. Also there will be pressure from the elected wing because this is the pre-election year,'' he added.

For the 1999-2000 works -- including model roads, a water tank at south GIDC, and three treatment plants -- Aloria says the VMC planned to get loans and utilise the revenue surplus. Asked if all the loans would come through, given the low returns, he claims that though they might be delayed by a couple of months, work would not be affected.

According to sources, VMC will spend Rs 55 crore from revenue surplus and raise Rs 45 crore through bank loans.