More than 300 infrastructure projects were completed over the past 12 months as part of ongoing efforts to improve Malta鈥檚 road network, Chris Bonett said on Friday. Speaking during a press conference in Valletta, with the Grand Harbour in the background, the transport minister and Infrastructure Malta CEO Steve Ellul gave an overview of the works carried out in the past 12 months. Ellul said Infrastructure Malta had completed 319 road projects over the past year, thanks to a government investment of more than 鈧50 million. 鈥淭o us, the streets are not a construction site but the places we spend our lives, where we work and we live. And that is why our team treats them like our own,鈥 Ellul said. He explained that 160 residential streets were upgraded with the aim of improving the quality of life for residents. Ellul said 52 roads required crucial work, including resurfacing of both residential and arterial roads. An additional 83 roads had infrastructure works carried out specifically to upgrade their electrical systems. The Infrastructure Malta CEO said the agency had delivered on its pledge to complete one new rural road every month, improving access for farmers. However, Ellul said that environmental considerations remained a top priority when carrying out works in rural areas. Transport Minister Chris Bonett acknowledged that while such projects can be disruptive, they are essential. 鈥淭hese works are complicated and can at times feel inconvenient or uncomfortable for the people, but as I always say, these are works that need to happen,鈥 he said. Bonett expressed pride in the team鈥檚 accomplishments over the past year. He added that upon taking office, he identified areas for internal improvement within the ministry. 鈥淲e did a number of new things that work as a blueprint for other entities. One being that you speak to the people,鈥 he said. He noted that improved communication with the public, detailing when works will begin, for example, has made a difference in how projects are received. 鈥淧eople become part of the process and furthermore, part of the solution,鈥 he said.