LAHORE, Nov 5: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday directed the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa) to take samples of drinking water from different parts of the city and get them examined from the PCSIR laboratory.

The court was hearing a petition questioning the dilapidated sewerage system and the provision of unclean drinking water in the provincial capital.

A Wasa official told the court complaints of citizens about unclean drinking water and the sewerage system were being addressed promptly. He said old sewerage lines were also being replaced in the light of the complaints.

Justice Khalid Mahmood Khan directed Wasa to get water samples examined from PCSIR and submit a report by Dec 19.

Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi of the Save Judiciary Committee filed the petition and contended that Wasa claimed monthly charges for sewerage from all consumers, but neither the sewerage system was good nor were the citizens provided with clean drinking water.

The petitioner stated due to poor services of the respondent authority, the sewerage system in different parts of the city remained chocked and sewage filled roads and streets.

The petitioner prayed to the court to direct the respondent to ensure better sewerage services and clean drinking water for citizens.