Rebuilding the cities in quake-hit region "very complicated" job

Liu Jie, a Sichuan official running rebuilding projects, said more than half of the 2,328 reconstruction projects sponsored by other Chinese provinces have started, while nearly 10 percent are already complete.

But Liu, who is the head of the provincial development and reform commission, declined to elaborate on whether the financial crisis has interrupted the rebuilding process.

The official also downplayed criticism of the 300 million yuan raised to rebuild the collapsed Beichuan Middle School, saying that might be an "exaggeration".

When the school fell down, 1,300 of the 2,800 students lost their lives.

"The budget all comes from donations, not government expenditure, and the huge donation reflects the passion from many overseas Chinese willing to help rebuild the school," Liu said.

Dou Yupei, vice-minister of the ministry of civil affairs, said on Wednesday all donations registered through the central government were already in place. Only a few corporations have delayed their payments, he said.

Huang Jinsheng, head of the provincial finance department, said the province itself had received 9.13 billion yuan to support rebuilding, while other funds had been forwarded to prefectures and counties. The official vowed to strictly monitor and publicize the use of donations.

Editor:Liu Anqi