Hope for Hopley: Harare’s largest satellite clinic opens

Over 200 000 people in Hopley, a settlement 17 kilometres South of Zimbabwe’s capital Harare will benefit from a polyclinic and youth centre opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday.

Tariro Clinic and Youth Centre was constructed through a partnership between the City of Harare, the United Nations Population Fund, (UNFPA), the International Labour Organization, (ILO) and Lafarge, a cement manufacturing company.

The polyclinic is expected to alleviate health problems in the densely populated settlement.  

 Officially opening the twin facility which hosts what is now the largest satellite clinic in Harare, President Mnangagwa praised the spirit of collaboration which brought the institution into existence. The multi-purpose project is set to improve sexual and reproductive health of the sprawling community.

Through an apprenticeship programme run by the ILO, selected youths from the community were enrolled in a skills development programme at St. Peters Vocational Training Centre in neighbouring Glen Norah before constructing the amenities under the guidance of experienced crafts persons. President Mnangagwa said this approach to empowerment is commendable and is the key to national development.

Tariro Clinic and Youth Centre is expected to help impart life skills and values to the 65,000 young people aged between 10  and 24 years in Harare South, of which 18% are in child marriages and 13% are school drop outs.