A towering tree grows inside an abandoned courthouse in Gakenke
Located in Ganzo Village, Kageyo Cell, Rushashi Sector, this old building once served as the Rushashi Canton Court. However, it has long been abandoned due to its deteriorating state, having been built before the 1970s.
What makes the structure remarkable is the large tree that has grown through its brick walls, a phenomenon that has left locals and visitors astounded. They speculate that a seed from nearby trees may have been blown onto the roof tiles by the wind, eventually falling into a crack in the bricks where it took root and grew into the towering tree visible today.
Nyirangendahayo Solina, a local resident, recalls, “It started as a tiny sprout wedged between the bricks. We thought it would dry up since it had no soil to grow in. But over the years, it kept growing, and now it’s as tall as trees in the forest.”
The tree, now over 20 meters tall, has sent its roots deep into the ground, breaking through the cement and bricks of the old building. Its unusual growth has drawn visitors from near and far, many of whom stop to take pictures, amazed by this natural anomaly.
However, residents are concerned about the risks posed by the tree. Nyirahakuzimana Veronika, who lives just 10 meters from the site, shares her fears: “The building is already very old. One strong wind could bring the tree down, and it might collapse the structure or even harm us.”
Since the building belongs to the government, locals feel powerless to act. Nyirahakuzimana adds, “We hope the authorities can remove the tree and either restore the building or replace it with something useful. Right now, it’s just an abandoned ruin with no doors or windows and overgrown with vegetation.”
Gakenke District Mayor, Nizeyimana Jean Marie Vianney, acknowledged the residents’ concerns, stating that plans are underway to address the situation. “We intend to cut down the tree and renovate the building as part of our 2023-2024 budget. The structure is strong and will be transformed into a Transit Center, as the current one is too small.”
He also noted that this building is one of several government-owned structures in the district slated for rehabilitation to serve new purposes.
