Once the water system had collapsed, many people dug their own wells. The wells that used to provide the city with running water are now in the hands of militia. The wells are in total disrepair. Mogadishu has lacked government structures and services for almost a decade. Sanitation workers and equipment are available, but have yet to be mobilised, signed up and funded.
Gangs expect nothing less than a cut from sanitation projects.
There were also numerous small clinics. All health facilities were government owned before 1990. Before the war, tuberculosis patients were treated and isolated in Lazareti in north Mogadishu and De Martini hospital in the south. A hospital and an SOS children's village was established before the civil war, by the Austrian-based international organisation. Keysaney hospital continues to serve north Mogadishu.