MANDEVILLE, Manchester — An Observer Central story highlighting water woes at Curphey Home for army veterans close to Cross Keys in South Manchester has reaped dividends for the ageing residents.

Superintendant of Curphey Home and former member of the Jamaica Defence Force Clifton Irwin says that after the article on February 24, a load of water was received as a result of efforts by the Custos of Manchester Sally Porteous with the help of the National Water Commission (NWC).

Another truck load of water also came from Custos William Shagoury in Clarendon.

Two weeks ago Irwin reported that only one of four rain water water catchment tanks at the Home had a small amount of water. Minimal rain fall in the traditional dry season during the first three months of the year had taken its toll and the parish council had been hindered from delivering water after its only water truck broke down, Irwin said.

A grateful Irwin said the recently trucked water is being used carefully however care for the elderly, some of whom are bedridden, inevitably required heavy water use.

Porteous said the (NWC) has committed to assisting with more trucked water in the future.

“They promise to make sure that they (Curphey Home) have water whenever there is a need,” she said.

Concerned ex-service man Major Victor Beek who resides in Kingston made contact with Custos Shagoury to seek assistance for his former colleagues.

Shagoury said that proximity was not a consideration.

“When people need help the only thing you can do is help them; especially those who have served their country,” he said.

The Clarendon Custos said that he sought the assistance of businessman in the parish Paul Cousins who has an equipment and construction company.

The Curphey Home Superintendent had made an appeal last month for the Manchester Parish Council to help with at least two loads of water per month.

Councillor Anthony Bryce (PNP-Newport Division) said in February that the Council could make provision to give the Home one load of water per month but the only water truck available was out of use and a mechanical part would have to be sourced overseas.

When Observer Central contacted Bryce last week he said that the water truck was still down.

Curphey Home was established by the Jamaica Legion — an organisation formed after World War II — to cater to needy ex-servicemen and women of the British Commonwealth.

There are currently thirteen residents accommodated at the facility.

According to Irwin, Curphey Home is the only one of its kind in the English-speaking Caribbean and stays afloat mainly through funding from the poppy appeal which offers replicas of poppy flowers in exchange for donations.

Porteous who has been part of efforts to assist the facility and is involved in planning an annual concert to raise funds for the Home. The event is scheduled for deCarteret College in Mandeville on Sunday, May 11.