Article 9 Public services for the premises of the Court

The competent authorities shall secure, upon the request of the Registrar or a member of staff of the Court designated by him or her, on fair and equitable conditions, the public services needed by the Court such as, but not limited to, postal, telephone, telegraphic services, any means of communication, electricity, water, gas, sewage, collection of waste, fire protection and cleaning of public streets including snow removal.

In cases where the services referred to in paragraph 1 of this article are made available to the Court by the competent authorities, or where the prices thereof are under their control, the rates for such services shall not exceed the lowest comparable rates accorded to essential agencies and organs of the host State.

In case of any interruption or threatened interruption of any such services, the Court shall be accorded the priority given to essential agencies and organs of the host State, and the host State shall take steps accordingly to ensure that the work of the Court is not prejudiced.

Upon request of the competent authorities, the Registrar, or a member of staff of the Court designated by him or her, shall make suitable arrangements to enable duly authorized representatives of the appropriate public services to inspect, repair, maintain, reconstruct and relocate utilities, conduits, mains and sewers on the premises of the Court under conditions which shall not unreasonably disturb the carrying out of the functions of the Court.

Underground constructions may be undertaken by the competent authorities on the premises of the Court only after consultation with the Registrar, or a member of staff of the Court designated by him or her, and under conditions which shall not disturb the carrying out of the functions of the Court.