It is time that local municipals and councillors look at what local citizens really want for our townships.

It is time that the cosy ‘sharing of beds’ between businesses and local government come to an end and they be kept separated.

Over the many years during which businesses courted local and even vice-versa, the rakyat suffered.

Unplanned and un-gazetted buildings and offices have made traffic unbearable in most townships. The basic needs of the resident are neglected.

What we local residents want are more public spaces and parks - not more unoccupied office buildings and shopping malls.

For example in Europe, many towns have town squares where residents can get together.

These town squares are used for carnivals and festivities and weekend markets.

It promotes neighbourliness and unity. Parks with ponds and water features like fountains help to aid as a meeting point for residence to meet and get together besides promoting local architecture and the arts.

Its time we take back our townships from businesses and avoid looking at every space or piece of land purely in commercial terms.

There is to a ‘win-win-win’ situation where the third win is for the community and the environment.

Give us back our public spaces!