PHC issues notices over poor sanitation

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Tuesday issued notices to the provincial government, Secretary of Local Government, CEO of Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP), Town Municipal Officer (TMO) Town-III, and the deputy commissioner Peshawar in response to a petition highlighting the deteriorating sanitation conditions in Sabz Ali Town on Warsak Road.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Naeem Anwar and Justice Farah Jamshed heard the writ petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Riaz. During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel, Advocate Umar Farooq, informed the court that his client was a resident of Sabz Ali Town, where sanitation has reached an alarming state.

He further pointed out that due to ongoing work involving the replacement of water and gas pipelines, excavation debris had been left unattended, creating hazardous living conditions for residents. This neglect, he argued, was posing serious health risks to the local community.

The counsel emphasized that it was the responsibility of the relevant authorities to ensure a clean and healthy environment for citizens. He also informed the court that residents had repeatedly submitted complaints to the concerned departments, but their grievances had been ignored, leaving them with no option but to approach the court.

He urged the court to direct all relevant institutions to immediately address the sanitation issues in the area and ensure a hygienic and livable environment, as the unsanitary conditions pose a threat of disease outbreaks.