McKenzie urges construction sites, billboards, and used cars to be secured ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie is urging all construction sites across Jamaica to remove loose materials immediately, warning that they could block drains and cause devastating damage during Tropical Storm Melissa.

Several major construction sites still have sand, gravel, steel, and, in some cases, partially completed frames hanging in the air, McKenzie said at a special news conference on Saturday.

He said these materials pose serious risks to individuals, property, and infrastructure if left unsecured.

The minister has also directed that billboards be taken down and reminded used-car operators not to display vehicles overnight on public roads.

He said teams of wrecker operators will remove vehicles left on thoroughfares in the Corporate Area and discard them at the Riverton City dump in St Andrew.

“We cannot afford to create human missiles that will hurt persons during this period,” McKenzie said.

The warning comes as Tropical Storm Melissa is forecast to become a major hurricane by Sunday, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of serious flooding across Jamaica over the next five to six days.

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