Kampot (FN), April 2 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen warned the oppositions for stating the power cut is the government’s excuse to build more hydropower, addressing Tuesday at the inauguration of USD 26 million Japanese-aid water supply system in Kampot, approximately 150km south of Phnom Penh.

“Some analysts said the government initiated power cut for an excuse to build more hydropower. It does not make any sense. It is unjust! We [the government] are solving the electricity crisis. Be careful of your baseless accusation, beware of fierce lightning,” the Premier warned.

According to the Premier, the electricity shortages Cambodia faces resulted from the booming of construction sector, the increase of 700% in 2019 compared to last year. Cities in the capital Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville used to require only 20MW, now 100MW is not enough for those cities.

“As of today, we lack up to 400MW supply.” “The kingdom will further seek 50-100 MW electricity supply from neighboring countries such as Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.”

Turkey has agreed to lease a 200MW electric generating ship to Cambodia in response to the shortage of electricity supply in Cambodia, Prime Minister Hun Sen spoke at the 18th Royal Government-Private Sector Forum held 1 April at the Peace Palace.

The ship expects to arrive Cambodia in early May; otherwise, the deal will be canceled, Electricite du Cambodge official told Fresh News.

EDC technical official said the hot weather has reduced water level in reservoirs that affected hydroelectric dams.

“The shortage of the electricity in Cambodia is mainly caused by the lack of rain water that needs to supply nine hydropower stations across the country.”

Cambodia’s dry season starts from November through April while rainy season begins from May through October.

According to the government’s circular, Cambodia will face drought during April and May and that temperature will rise to 40-42 degree Celsius due to El Nino.

In the circular, it stressed that the influence of El Niño will also cause less rainfall, thunderstorms and winds, and late rainy season.