90 school buildings damaged in Seram

AMBON, Maluku: A Maluku councillor has revealed that most school buildings in East Seram regency are dilapidated due to lack of maintenance and the effects of natural disasters.

"Some 90 percent of the 145 elementary schools and 14 junior high schools are badly run-down and the government needs to pay attention to this," said Ramly Mahulette from the Maluku provincial council, who had just returned from the area.

The schools, which were built in the 1970s, were located in a remote area and had never been renovated. The location could only be reached by sea from Ambon, the Maluku capital, said Ramly.

Contacted separately, Maluku Governor Albert Karel Rahalalu said that he would look into the matter. -- JP