The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has allocated 2.06 billion yuan (about US$292.1 million) of central lottery public welfare funds to support poverty alleviation in old revolutionary base areas.

The funds allocated will mainly be used for the construction of public welfare facilities in poverty-stricken villages of old revolutionary base areas, the MOF said Thursday.

A total of 10 billion yuan has been allocated during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) period, covering 397 old revolutionary base areas, the ministry said.

The MOF requires all localities to allocate and issue the fund in a timely manner and strengthen the supervision of funds.