The formal mandate of the Local Authorities are derived from the Local Government Act No. 281 of the Laws of Zambia and various status. Section 61 of the Local Government Act list 63 functions of Local Authorities whose details are given in the second schedule of the Act which allows us as Pemba Town Council to carry out the following functions:

• Maintain law and order and effective administration of Local Authorities to ensure national security;
• Control the keeping and movement of livestock,slaughtering of animals,sale of meat and enforce the disposal of diseased animals’ market and preservation of agricultural produce and prevention of agricultural produce, conservation of natural resources and prevention of soil erosion;
• Control the manufacture, storage, sale and use of petroleum, fireworks, gas and other combustible or dangerous substance;
• Provide and maintain supplies of clean water and establish water works and water mains;
• Construct and maintain sanitation and drainage systems to facilitate the removal of refuse and effluent;
• Provide for the registration of births, marriage, deaths, clubs and enumeration of persons or property connected with the administration of Councils areas;
• Establish and maintain colleges, schools and day nurseries;
• Prepare and administer schemes for community participation in development;
• Establish and maintain a system of street lighting and in public places;
• Establish and maintain fire fighting and prevention services in order to protect life, property and natural resources from damage by fire;