Zambian leader probes drinks bill

Mwanawasa said he does not drink alcohol or soft drinks

Zambia's president has ordered an inquiry into reports that his official residence and office spent $420,000 on drinks in the last year.

Levy Mwanawasa was quoted as saying he was alarmed and shocked at the sum.

"I don't drink alcohol or soft drinks. I only take water. My entire family does not take alcohol too," he said, according to Zambian media reports.

The drinks expenditure figure was given to the Zambian parliament last week, prompting an outcry by the opposition.

Mr Mwanawasa has also asked his government to slash official trips and what he termed endless studies and seminars, and put the money towards reducing poverty in Zambia.

More than half of Zambia's population earn less than $1 a day, according to French news agency AFP.