Yingshukur (Insikiur) Village Council (YVC) and sub-contractor Kiphire Kuhovi have refuted the statement of B Setsato Sangtam—the party involved in execution of PMGSY work from L-023 to Insikiur under PWD (R&B) Kiphire division—saying the Setsato’s statement was “misleading and false allegation.”
In a joint statement, village GBs—Setsamong, Yangchopi. Sethrongchem and Tsayangpi—and council chairman Humphu Sangtam described as “totally false” Setsato’s claim that due to the absence of in-charge, the labourers took advantage and compromised on workmanship in certain portions. The signatories alleged that Setsato had “specifically” instructed the labours and the in-charge to use 40-50 drums of bitumen per km and even demonstrated the work to the labourers using minimum bitumen while greasing/oiling the road and tried to damage the reputation of the firm.
Further, the signatories said that YVC has also derecognized Setsato and was not accepted by the village council.
On Setsato’s claim that the whole expenditures for tender, bank guarantee and other miscellaneous expenditures were borne by him, the signatories said Kuhovi has clarified that whatever the amount borne by him during the pursual of the project has been released and paid to Setsato in full along with 7% interest rate in the first running bill.
They also termed as “absolutely false and misleading” Setsato’s claim that sub-contractor had been invited on many occasions for audit, but refused to appear.
In this regard, they said that in second week of January, 2023 Kuhovi had gone and met Setsato at tourist lodge, Dimapur for audit, but the meeting was unsuccessful.
Subsequently, in the last week of January 2023, they said the sub-contractor along with labourers in-charge had gone to meet Setsato at his residence to negotiate and settle the pending bill. However, they said Setsato prepared all the expenditure by himself without sub-contractor’s presence and knowledge and instead asked him to sign without any audit and deliberation.
Therefore, the signatories said that allegations and claims made by Setsato of inviting Kuhovi on many occasions for an audit was false and baseless.
The signatories also stated on January 29, 2023 at the residence of the Firm Consultant at Dimapur Setsato made an attempt on sub-contractor’s life and assaulted him. In connection with the case, they said Setsato was booked by the law enforcing agency and undergoing criminal trial.
PMGSY work issue: YVC, sub-contractor refute claim
