Two schools in Aitape District, Sandaun Province had been forced to suspend classes for an indefinite period due to overflooding of the school grounds.

Students attending Aitape Primary School and Aitape Vocational Training Institute had been without classes for nearly 4 weeks.

Floodwaters from recent rain had caused the nearby creek which is located towards the backside area of both schools to burst its banks several times, causing water to flow into the school grounds making it impossible for classes.

Both institutions were heavily affected in the last major flood which occurred early last month, with water rising as high as 1.5 metres.

Head authorities in both schools have commented that the floodwaters are causing a major disturbance to the school academic year and this may have drastic effects on the students' performances if nothing is done about it.

"This has been an ongoing problem for this school. Many times we have had to send the children back home because the classrooms were flooded with knee-high deep water," said Florian Kiwewe, Principal of Aitape Primary School.

Mr. Kiwewe also mentioned that after the recent major flooding in March, a situation report was sent to the attention of those in authority within the District Administration, however no effort has been made to address the issue.

Peter Sirias a concerned parent, told Aitape Star that a good number of parents had spared time on Saturday to help clear the creek's waterway to help it's flow, however recent rainfall on Sunday and Monday night had made no difference.

District Education Manager, Robert Miroi has also taken up the task of addressing the problem as he was concerned that such disruptions to a school that had been performing very well academically will be a problem.

Mr. Miroi did a personal site check of the creek's outlet and has reported that the original outlet was blocked off by build-up of sand and bushes, therefore resulting in the flow of water being diverted back upstream and spilling out into the school grounds.

Mr. Miroi said that the only solution to the problem would be to clear the outlet of the creek so that excess water could flow into the sea rather than being forced to flow back upstream.

He also called on the local member for Aitape-Lumi Patrick Pruaitch to look into the matter because it is of importance, as it is and will be affecting two good institutions and also the lives of people residing along that area.