The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) is charged with the responsibility of promoting a decentralised and good local governance system, facilitating delivery of quality municipal services in order to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development. The Ministry oversees the implementation of delegated functions and responsibilities by the local authorities.

The Ministry is responsible for  Portfolio functions according to the Government Gazette Notice No. 1123 of 2021:

A SMART and value- centered Ministry of Local Government

Facilitate a decentralised local governance system for quality municipal service delivery

1. Professionalism – We exhibit competence, commitment, good judgements, conduct and behavior in promoting a positive image in the execution of our duties
2. Accountability -We take responsibility for all our actions in the course of our duty.
3. Teamwork cooperate with others and work to the best of our abilities in the execution of our duties.
4. Commitment- We carry our duties in a dedicated, efficient and effective manner.
5. Client-focused- We put our customers/clients first in whatsoever we do.
6. Integrity- We conduct ourselves in a manner that is beyond reproach by being honest, trustworthy, ethical and respectful in all our actions.
7. Patriotism put the country above our personal interests in the execution of our duties.
8. Transparency- We conduct our business and deliver our services in an open and professional manner.
9. Innovation- We are creative and embrace new ideas and techniques in the delivery of our services.

• Amusement and Play parks
• Business Hours;
• Cemeteries and Burial Sites
• Council Nurseries
• Crematoria
• Feeder/Townships Roads;
• Film Censorship;

• Fire Services;
• Levies;
• Liquor Licensing;
• Local Authorities Training;
• Local Government Policy;
• Markets and Bus Stations;
• Plant Nurseries
• Rates;
• Registration of Marriages
• Street Lighting
• Theatres and Cinemas Policy, and;
• Urban and Regional Planning.

• Chalimbana Local Government Training Institute (LGTI);
• Film Censorship Board;
• Gwembe District Special Fund (Dissolution);
• Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Control Board; and,
• National Fire Services Training School.