Sichuan earthquake survivors in a county in neighboring Gansu Province are still living in unsafe buildings and prefab shelters while some 80 million yuan (US$12.09) of relief fund has been abused by local government.

Houses promptly built in Wenxian County after the devastating earthquake in 2008 are already showing cracks in walls and sunken beams. Villagers fear the new houses will collapse in another jolt, Beijing-based Economic Information reported today.

Even worse, many victims are still living in prefabricated shelters as there is a shortage of rebuilt houses.

In contrast to their dire conditions, the county now boasts several stylish streets with neon-contoured high-rises. A county official, Xue Yumin, said the government spent 26 million yuan last year to create a swanky urban center.

The money, part of the 80-million-yuan relief fund, was intended to rebuild residential buildings and wrecked factories, said another official, who declined to give his name.