The government on Wednesday was weighing up compulsory contributions from Italy's big earners as part of its efforts to find sufficient funds for the reconstruction of the quake-hit city of L'Aquila and neighbouring towns.

Under the plan, contributions would be obligatory for those earning more than 130,000-140,000 euros a year, according to government sources.

The government was also studying the feasibility of introducing a new voluntary contribution for all tax payers that could flank the existing so-called '5x1000' contribution, whereby tax payers can allot a portion of their taxable income to non-profit organisations.

Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said Tuesday that around 12 billion euros would be needed to reconstruct the area.