BEIJING — China's investment in water conservancy facilities reached 113.1 billion yuan (about $17.44 billion) in the first seven months of this year, according to the Ministry of Water Resources.

In the January-July period, construction has begun on more than 10,000 water conservancy projects, accounting for 87.4 percent of the annual plan.

Wei Shanzhong, vice-minister of water resources, said progress has been made on the implementation of the annual investment plan despite impacts from the epidemic and floods.

He called on local water resource authorities to advance implementation of the investment plan, especially projects on flood prevention and drought relief, ensure the security and efficiency of funds, and coordinate efforts between epidemic control and water conservancy work.