Bad buildings disrupt schooling

BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Bad workmanship found in 2,695 elementary school buildings throughout Banjarnegara regency has disrupted study for thousands of pupils, Parmadhi, the head of Banjarnegara Educational Office, said on Tuesday.

Parmadhi said embezzlement, including excessive mark-ups, by contractors contributed to the poor state of the buildings.

Some of the buildings were so unfit for use that the classes have to be conducted at village community halls or houses.

The regency administration has allocated Rp 2 billion out of this year's budget to rehabilitate 70 school buildings, he said. (45/01)