There’s anger in Argentina as an oppressive heatwave has exposed weaknesses and chronic under-investment in the nation’s aging power grid.  Some neighborhoods have been blacked out for two weeks while the mercury topped 30 and even 35 degrees.

Officials in Buenos Aires have declared a state of emergency, and at least six people are dead because of the weather.  Others have been sent to hospital as power cuts and water shortages take their toll.  People have grown angry.

“Without water it’s unbearable,” one man explained.  “You cannot live.  Above the tenth floor, within 48 hours, it’s a death trap.  If there is sun and 38 or 39 degrees – as they are saying – the firefighters are going to bring down bodies.”

While no one is blaming the government for the weather, several protesters are calling on the government and utilities to do something.

“It’s a shame,” said another Buenos Aires resident.  “The truth is that you shouldn’t play with people.  I’m talking about the electricity companies, politicians, everything.  I’m very angry.”

The populist government of President Cristina Fernandez blames the private power companies for failing to modernize the grid and keep up with demand.

“With extraordinary temperatures over the past days, a heatwave beyond comparison, companies have not been up to (Argentina’s) industrial development and growth,” said Planning and Public Services Minister Julio De Vido, calling on private utility companies Edenor and Edesur to take “social responsibility” for restoring the power.

The daytime high temperature is not expected to peak below 30 degrees for another two days.