China's Ministry of Finance (MOF) Monday announced the allocation of 4.29 billion yuan (US$629.4 million) to finance primary and high school building maintenance in central and western rural regions.

Local authorities should enhance their awareness of school building safety and take effective maintenance measures to ensure school structures were in good condition, the MOF said in a statement on its website.

China's less prosperous central and western regions cover 18 provincial areas, including Sichuan and Hunan provinces and Tibet Autonomous Region.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2010)