The Polokwane municipality in Limpopo will soon establish an independent water entity in the wake of a severe water shortage in recent weeks.

The mayor of Polokwane, John Mpe, says the utility – to be called Polokwane Water – "will have highly qualified individuals working on water and sanitation".

Mpe says there will soon be "a major announcement about the progress".

Residents from the area went on strike a week ago due to intermittent water shortages. Incidents of violence marked the protest.

The mayor met Seshego residents on Wednesday. The engagement was aimed at updating residents on how the City planned to address the problem.

The mayor described the current water woes as an "emotional issue". He suggested protests over the water shortages were instigated by people who "were against some of the difficult decisions we have taken".

"People would take advantage of genuine concerns of the people. Some of those decisions relate to doing away with private (water delivery) trucks – and, where contractors are not doing their part, we are very quick to act.

"When we have challenges, let them not take advantage of the genuine demands of people, such as basic services like water," Mpe said.