FAISALABAD, Nov 7: The Institute of Public Health (IPH), Lahore, and the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) laboratory have declared the water being supplied to Chiragh Town and its adjacent locality unfit for human consumption, Dawn learnt on Friday.

The district government got the lab tests after a gastroenteritis outbreak in the area on Oct 20 that claimed three lives, including two sisters -- Rimsha and Saba.

Sources said Executive District Officer (health) Dr Muhammad Siddique informed the district coordination officer (DCO) that the lab testing of samples of water from the Wasa supply and hand pumps showed that almost all samples were contaminated.

The Health Department suggested the DCO order all Tehsil Municipal Administrations to remove sewerage stagnant water pools located in the houses of the area.

The hand-pump within 100 feet range from the stagnant sewerage water may be removed or made non-functional.

The Municipal Services Department has been asked to remove the filth from Chiragh Town and Rehman Town, he said adding the sanitation of the area should also be improved. Besides, Wasa authorities should supply potable water to residents till new pipelines are laid down in the gastroenteritis hit areas.

The EDO also directed the district health officer II to fumigate both areas and also appoint food inspectors to check the vendors and shops.

EDO (finance & planning) Dr Tariq Sardar told Dawn he had asked his subordinates to remove stagnant water ponds from the areas. He said Wasa authorities had been making arrangements to lay down water supply lines and sanitation system in the areas.

Sources said the Punjab Consumer Protection Council had asked the DCO to hold an inquiry into the matter.

The situation falls within the definition of faulty service as mentioned in the Punjab Consumer Protection Act (PCPA) 2005.