BEIJING -- The government plans to rebuild three million houses for rural residents in 2013, according to the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

In 2008, the government carried out pilot projects to rebuild dilapidated houses in rural areas, with similar projects subsequently extended to the whole country.

In July 2011, the Ministry of Finance issued guidelines for the financing of such renovations, with most of the investment set to come from central and local governments at different levels.

Over the past five years, the central government has contributed nearly 70 billion yuan ($11.3 billion), while local government contributions and social investments stand at a combined total of 330 billion yuan.

A spokesman for the ministry said there are still some 20 million unsafe houses in rural areas.

In the coming years, the State Council and various ministries will reinforce rebuilding efforts to improve the living environment for rural residents, the spokesman said.