MINISTER of Local Government Desmond McKenzie is appealing to people operating construction projects to immediately secure loose equipment and machinery as Jamaica prepares for a major hit from Hurricane Melissa today.

Melissa — which is forecast to become a major hurricane with wind speed in excess of 130 miles per hour or 209 kilometres per hour — is now being felt in sections of the island with the projections being that it could bring rain for at least two days.

Addressing a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Saturday, McKenzie noted that unsecured material on construction sites could be a major challenge to Jamaicans.

According to McKenzie, during a check across the Corporate Area Saturday morning he confirmed that there are major construction sites where material, including sand, gravel, steel, and in some cases cranes, were left unsecured.

“I am going to make a general appeal this morning, to the [operators] of all the construction sites, not just in the Corporate Area, but right across the country, that they must start to take the necessary steps to remove cranes, steel, sand [and] blocks which will only contribute more to the blocking of our drains and can have devastating effect on individuals, property, and can result in extreme damage,” said McKenzie.

He also called for the temporary removal of advertising billboards which could become projectiles in the strong winds and warned that used cars which have been left on the roadside will be removed and dumped.

“We cannot afford to create…missiles which will hurt people during this period. I am asking for the cooperation of those persons that I have just outlined,” added McKenzie.

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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (right) and Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie in discussion during a special media briefing at Jamaica House on Saturday. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)