Parts of Phnom Penh experienced scheduled power outages yesterday, as a result of state power company Electricite du Cambodge moving power poles to make way for road widening, the EDC said yesterday.

Scheduled outages across the capital and elsewhere will last through March 20. Today, electricity will be out from 8am to 5pm in Stung Meanchey commune in the capital’s Meanchey district and in the Takhmao district of Kandal province. It will also be out in some villages in Dangkor, Por Sen Chey and Chbar Ampov districts.

On Saturday, electricity will be out from 8am to 4pm along street 271 in Chamkarmon district’s Phsar Doeum Thkov commune. During that time, the power will also be shut off in Prey Chi Sak and Trapaing Krosang village in Por Sen Chey district, as well as in some areas on National Road 1, from Chbar Ampov I to Niroth communes.

On Sunday, the electricity will be out between 8am and 4pm in Phsar Kandal II commune in Daun Penh district; in Prek Phnov commune in Prek Phnov district; in villages in Por Sen Chey district; and in some houses along Street 598 in Russey Keo district.

“It is very important to have electricity and water as we live in the city,” said Chamkarmon District Governor Prom Somkhan, acknowledging the inconvenience of the outages. But, he added, “I will ask the commune chiefs to tell the people to be patient . . . We have to do it.”