Schools near collapse

PURWAKARTA, West Java: About 300 schoolchildren are studying at residents' homes and mosques as the buildings of their two schools are near collapsed.

The local head of the public works agency, Dadang Rustiwa, acknowledged the deteriorating condition of the state-run schools of Basuki Rahmat I and Basuki Rahmat II.

However, he said, the two schools are not included in a list of schools to be renovated this year, Antara reported on Friday.

Basuki Rahmat I's principal, HM Muchyidin, said, "Students have been removed in the past few days so that they continue to learn, even if in emergency conditions."

The ceilings of the schools were about to cave in.

Residents said there were noises on Friday which made them suspect the buildings would collapse altogether.

Teachers said the last repairs were carried out in 1996.